increase alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase alert" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could be used in contexts where one is referring to raising awareness or vigilance, but it would typically need additional words for clarity. Example: "To ensure safety, we need to increase alert levels during the storm."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Increase alert to "red -- severe risk".

The New York Times

However, the password override system may represent an excessive burden for physicians and thereby increase alert fatigue.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Israeli security forces had been on increased alert in advance of the Jewish high holidays, which include Yom Kippur.

The Guardian

Sweden is among a series of Nordic and Baltic nations on increased alert over growing tensions with Russia in the wake of the Ukraine crisis.

The Guardian

A senior F.B.I. official said the authorities had increased surveillance on potential terrorism suspects inside the United States in recent weeks and remained on increased alert.

The New York Times

He reacted to the suicide bombing tactically: a new danger had emerged, and his troops would have to be on increased alert to the threat posed by civilian vehicles.

The New York Times - Magazine

The increased alert came after an outbreak of a particularly severe form of bird flu, the H5N8 virus, was reported at a duck farm in the south-west of the country, prompting fears it could spread throughout the region.

The Guardian

SEOUL, South Korea — American and South Korean troops increased alert levels on Wednesday as South Korea's foreign minister warned that North Korea could launch its medium-range Musudan missile "any time from now".

The New York Times

Though the school said no misbehavior had been found, testing services have been on increased alert since a large cheating ring was uncovered on Long Island last year, involving test-takers' impersonating other students.

The New York Times

The school's liaison was told that the students were seated too close together, among other administrative issues, Ms. Anderson writes: Though the school said no misbehavior had been found, testing services have been on increased alert since a large cheating ring was uncovered on Long Island last year, involving test-takers' impersonating other students.

The New York Times

Taiwan, however, says it sees no military build-up off its shores and has not put its own forces on increased alert, at least not yet.For many all this looks like a re-run of the events of 1995-96 when Mr Lee went on a trip to the United States.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, specify what type of alert you are increasing (e.g., "increase security alert", "increase threat alert"). This provides context and makes your meaning more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "increase alert" without specifying the subject of the alert. This can lead to ambiguity. Instead, use more descriptive phrases such as "raise the terror alert level" or "increase security awareness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase alert" functions as a verb phrase, suggesting an action to elevate a state of readiness or awareness. Although Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect, examples show usage in news and scientific contexts, typically implying an elevation in security or vigilance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase alert" is deemed grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI, yet it appears, albeit rarely, in various contexts. While comprehensible, it lacks precision and is better replaced by alternatives such as "raise the alert level", "heighten vigilance", or "increase preparedness". It’s crucial to specify the subject of the alert for clarity. In formal writing, consider alternatives to ensure grammatical correctness and avoid ambiguity. The phrase is used in news and scientific domains, conveying a need to elevate awareness or readiness, though precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the alert level

This alternative is more specific by including the word 'level'.

heighten vigilance

This alternative shifts the focus from a general "alert" to a more proactive "vigilance".

increase vigilance

This alternative focuses on increasing the level of watchfulness.

boost preparedness

This alternative emphasizes readiness and preparation for potential threats.

step up security

This alternative focuses on the specific action of improving security measures.

enhance readiness

This alternative emphasizes improvement of the state of being prepared.

sharpen awareness

This alternative shifts the focus to making people more aware and attentive.

amplify caution

This alternative focuses on increasing the level of carefulness.

intensify scrutiny

This alternative emphasizes a more thorough and rigorous examination.

ramp up surveillance

This alternative specifically focuses on increasing monitoring efforts.

FAQs

How can I rewrite "increase alert" to sound more natural?

Consider using phrases like "raise the alert level", "heighten vigilance", or "increase preparedness" depending on the intended meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "increase alert"?

While understandable, "increase alert" is not standard English. It is better to use phrases like "increase alertness" or "raise the alert" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

What is the difference between "increase alert" and "heightened alert"?

"Increase alert" is an action or process, meaning to raise the level of awareness or preparedness. "Heightened alert", on the other hand, is a state of being at a higher level of readiness.

When is it appropriate to use "increase alert" in writing?

It is best to avoid "increase alert" in formal writing. In informal contexts, ensure clarity by specifying the type of alert (e.g., "increase security alert"). More formal alternatives include "raise security alert" or "enhance vigilance".