is alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

"is alarming" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is causing fear, concern, or unease. Example: The recent increase in crime rates is alarming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Unemployment is alarming.

The Economist

Which is alarming.

The New Yorker

The cost is alarming.

The Economist

Rush hour is alarming.

The Economist

Either scenario is alarming.

Independent

"This is alarming".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The IMF is alarmed.

The Economist

The German government is alarmed.

The Economist

This was alarming.

The New York Times

The statistics are alarming.

Independent

What she saw was alarming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is alarming" to express a strong sense of unease or concern, especially when discussing negative trends or potential dangers.

Common error

While effective, overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "is concerning" or "raises concerns" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

Expressing concern or worry. The phrase "is alarming" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as causing alarm or concern. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase describes trends, statistics, and situations deemed worrisome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is alarming" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey worry or concern, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a predicate adjective and its purpose is to highlight potential dangers. Its register is neutral, and it's frequently used in news, scientific and formal contexts. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact, and it should be used carefully. Alternatives such as "is concerning" or "raises concerns" can be used depending on the gravity of the situation you are reporting. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and utility of this phrase in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is worrisome

Replaces "alarming" with "worrisome", maintaining a similar level of concern but with a slightly different tone.

is concerning

Substitutes "alarming" with "concerning", indicating a cause for worry but perhaps slightly less intense.

is disturbing

Replaces "alarming" with "disturbing", suggesting something that disrupts peace of mind.

raises concerns

Shifts the focus to the action of raising concerns, rather than describing a state of alarm.

gives cause for concern

Emphasizes the reason for concern, rather than directly stating that something is alarming.

is a cause for alarm

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the 'cause' rather than the feeling.

is a red flag

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a warning sign or cause for concern.

presents a worrying trend

Focuses on a trend that provokes worry, highlighting the evolving nature of the concern.

is a matter of grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness of the concern, indicating a significant level of worry.

is something to be feared

Shifts the focus to the potential consequences and the emotion of fear.

FAQs

How can I use "is alarming" in a sentence?

Use "is alarming" to express a strong sense of worry or concern about a particular situation or trend. For example, "The increase in unemployment /s/is+alarming".

What can I say instead of "is alarming"?

You can use alternatives like "is concerning", "is worrisome", or "raises concerns" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is alarming" or "are alarming"?

"Is alarming" is used with singular subjects, while "are alarming" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The trend /s/is+alarming", but "The statistics /s/are+alarming".

What's the difference between "is alarming" and "is concerning"?

While both express worry, "is alarming" often conveys a stronger sense of urgency or potential danger than "is concerning". The choice depends on the degree of worry you want to express.