is to be alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to be alert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to remain vigilant or attentive in a particular situation. Example: "In this line of work, it is crucial that everyone is to be alert at all times to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In alchemizing failure into success, perhaps the critical skill is to be alert.

Princeton University

"The general recommendation for the community is to be alert, be aware, not to be frightened... to continue with normal activities".

The Guardian

There's a scene early on in July's film in which Jason (Hamish Linklater), a frustrated, vaguely artistic thirty-five-year-old freelance tech-support guy, explains his ambition: "The point is to be alert, to notice things….

The New Yorker

For young women, said Ms. Goldfarb of Rutgers, an important preventive measure is to be alert for signs that a man is potentially dangerous -- before the relationship grows serious.

The New York Times - Science

"My job is to be alert and to look outwards but also to be reflective," says Willie White, artistic director of the Dublin theatre festival, which next year will celebrate the 60th year since its founding.

The Guardian

The best personal protection against lightning is to be alert to the presence of a hazard and then to take common-sense precautions, such as staying inside a house or building or inside an automobile, where one is surrounded by (but not in contact with) metal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They also argue that there is safety in numbers, too — the more drivers see cyclists on the road, the more apt they are to be alert for them.

The Washington Post

The most important lesson I learned from Billy was to be alert to opportunity.

Huffington Post

At 10 45, Eighth Army messaged Kean that the 27th Infantry was to be alerted for a possible move north into the US 2nd Infantry Division sector.

Wikipedia

Local health personnel are to be alerted in cases where some children are missed.

Unicef

To be ironic is to be awake — and alert to the prevailing "somnolence".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to be alert" when emphasizing the importance of vigilance and attentiveness in a specific context. For instance, "In this role, one's primary responsibility is to be alert to potential security threats."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "is to be alert" in every sentence. Vary your language by using active constructions like "stay alert" or "remain vigilant" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be alert" functions as a directive, often indicating a required state of vigilance or readiness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase often appears in contexts where attentiveness is crucial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is to be alert" serves as a directive emphasizing the importance of vigilance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "is to be vigilant" or "is to be watchful", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Ultimately, understanding the context is crucial for effectively incorporating this phrase into writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is to be vigilant

Replaces "alert" with "vigilant", suggesting a more proactive and watchful state.

is to be watchful

Uses "watchful" instead of "alert", implying careful observation over time.

is to be attentive

Substitutes "alert" with "attentive", highlighting the act of paying close attention.

is to be aware

Replaces "alert" with "aware", focusing on having knowledge or perception of a situation.

is to be cognizant

Similar to "aware", but with a stronger emphasis on understanding and knowledge.

is to be conscious

Emphasizes a state of being fully aware and responsive.

is to be observant

Highlights the act of noticing details and changes.

is to be ready

Shifts the focus from awareness to preparedness for action.

is to be responsive

Focuses on reacting quickly and appropriately to stimuli.

is to be sensitive

Implies an awareness of subtle cues and nuances.

FAQs

How can I use "is to be alert" in a sentence?

You can use "is to be alert" to emphasize the necessity of vigilance in a certain context. For example, "The most important thing is to be alert during the exam".

What are some alternatives to "is to be alert"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is to be vigilant", "is to be watchful", or "is to be aware", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is to be alert" or "should be alert"?

Both are grammatically sound, but "should be alert" implies a recommendation, while "is to be alert" conveys a requirement or instruction.

When is it appropriate to use "is to be alert" instead of "stay alert"?

"Is to be alert" is more formal and suitable for official instructions or guidelines, whereas "stay alert" is more conversational and immediate.