is rather alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express concern or worry about a situation or piece of information that is surprising or troubling. Example: "The recent spike in pollution levels in the city is rather alarming and requires immediate attention from the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Given that three out of four respondents postulate that consumers take over the responsibility for minimizing harmful substances in consumer products, this result is rather alarming.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The rapid depletion of Saudi's foreign exchange funds is rather alarming.

Huffington Post

This is rather alarming.

BMC Medical Education

"Well that is rather alarming," he added, smiling rather weakly.

The Guardian

"This is rather alarming," said Jack G. Travelstead, director of fisheries for the Marine Resources Commission of Virginia.

The New York Times

What is rather alarming is the reference that the label allows a consumer to avoid purchasing a PCP containing ingredients the consumer wishes not to use.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yet the injury was rather alarming.

The New York Times - Sports

Read the full story here 9.12am BST Glenn Hoddle supposedly has one of English football's finest tactical brains, so watching him confuse Algeria and Al-Jazeera during last night's match was rather alarming.

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, the rates of resistance among this representative sample of common pathogens were rather alarming.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

"I wrote to her that I was rather alarmed by the indifferent quality of the chapter," he testified.

The New Yorker

Most, I suspect, are rather alarmed by the rise of food aid (as a Green party research paper demonstrated this week) and would much rather Tory MPs grasped the nettle than tried to depoliticise the issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rather alarming" when you want to express a moderate level of concern or worry about a situation, suggesting it's more serious than just "concerning" but not as extreme as "terrifying". Choose it when a situation warrants attention and potential action.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather alarming" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for more conversational alternatives like "is pretty worrying" or "is a bit of a concern" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather alarming" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a subject by attributing to it the quality of being alarming to a notable degree. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in expressing concern or worry about a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rather alarming" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a moderate level of concern or worry. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is suitable for use across different categories but most frequently used in News & Media and Science. When writing, remember that while it is generally appropriate, it might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "is quite concerning" to adapt the tone to different audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite concerning

Emphasizes concern without the strong negative connotation of "alarming".

is somewhat troubling

Indicates a degree of worry or unease about a situation.

is deeply concerning

Strengthens the level of worry or unease.

is a cause for concern

Highlights that a situation warrants attention and worry.

gives cause for alarm

Similar to "is rather alarming" but places emphasis on the alarm itself.

is a worrying trend

Focuses on the development of a situation that is concerning.

is cause for apprehension

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or fear about what might happen.

is profoundly disturbing

Emphasizes a strong feeling of unease and discomfort.

is a serious issue

Highlights the gravity of a situation that requires attention.

is creating disquiet

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or worry being generated.

FAQs

What does "is rather alarming" mean?

The phrase "is rather alarming" indicates a moderate level of worry or concern about something. It suggests that a situation or piece of information is more serious than simply concerning, warranting attention.

When should I use "is rather alarming"?

Use "is rather alarming" when you want to express concern about something that is more serious than just "concerning" but not extremely frightening or dangerous. It's suitable when the situation warrants attention and potential action.

What are some alternatives to "is rather alarming"?

You can use alternatives such as "is quite concerning", "is somewhat troubling", or "is deeply concerning" depending on the level of concern you want to express.

Is "is rather alarming" formal or informal?

The phrase "is rather alarming" is relatively neutral but leans slightly towards formal usage. It's appropriate for news articles, reports, and professional communications, but might sound a bit stiff in casual conversation.