it sounds alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing concern or worry about something that has been said or reported. Example: "After hearing the news about the rising crime rates in our neighborhood, it sounds alarming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It sounds alarming, but watching her floating in a huge dark body of water surrounded by mountains you start to see the appeal of being so immersed in nature.

The Guardian - Travel

It sounds alarming, except that my understanding is that the only way masturbating to pornography could have destroyed these 'nerves' is if he had ripped his penis off of his own body.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It sounded alarming.

BBC

So when I hear that word "transition" applied to other climate change legislation, it sounds alarms.

Huffington Post

It sounds alarms if he drifts over the center line or attempts to pass a car when it is unsafe.

Huffington Post

which sounds alarming.

Acta Orthopaedica

That speculative, uninformed graphic did its readers a terrible disservice, as it would if it sounded alarms about the secessionist movements in Texas, California and New York City, all of which have threatened to leave the US.

Harvard Business Review

First, it sounded alarms about President Bush's plans to more than double spending, to $135 million, on abstinence programs that prohibit advising young people about using condoms and other contraception at a time when those under 25 make up half of newly reported cases of H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS.

The New York Times

She began her article by citing a study noting that BPA found on register receipts or money is absorbed through the skin, making it sound alarming.

Huffington Post

I call my grandmother, who sounds alarmed.

The New York Times

The numbers do indeed sound alarming.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds alarming" to express your immediate reaction to information that suggests potential danger, problems, or negative consequences. This phrase is effective for setting a tone of caution or worry.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it sounds alarming", as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding formulaic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds alarming" functions as an expression of concern or apprehension regarding information received. Ludwig AI confirms this use, indicating that the phrase is a valid way to signal worry. The function is to convey a subjective reaction to potentially negative news.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sounds alarming" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a sense of worry or concern about something that has been said or reported. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. For increased impact and to prevent repetition, consider using alternative phrases like "it seems concerning" or "that's worrisome to hear". When writing with "it sounds alarming", be mindful to use it when you intend to express your immediate worry and to avoid overuse to maintain the interest of the readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It seems concerning

Uses the verb "seems" and adjective "concerning" to express a similar level of worry.

That's worrisome to hear

Replaces "it sounds" with "that's" and uses the adjective "worrisome" instead of "alarming".

That's unsettling to hear

Replaces "alarming" with "unsettling", emphasizing the feeling of unease.

That's a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the potential consequences, highlighting that the situation warrants attention.

This is a worrying development

Uses the noun "development" to shift the emphasis to the situation itself being a cause for concern.

That rings alarm bells

Employs a more idiomatic expression, suggesting that the information should trigger a sense of alert.

It's a scary prospect

Emphasizes the fear associated with the potential outcome.

It's a red flag

Uses a metaphor to indicate a warning sign or potential danger.

This raises serious questions

Focuses on the uncertainty and need for further investigation.

It gives me pause

Indicates that the information is making one reconsider or hesitate.

FAQs

How can I use "it sounds alarming" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounds alarming" to express concern or worry about something you've heard. For instance, "After hearing the doctor's diagnosis, "it sounds alarming"." You might also use alternatives such as "it seems concerning" or "that's worrisome to hear".

What are some alternatives to "it sounds alarming"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it seems concerning", "that's a cause for concern", or "this raises serious questions".

Is it better to say "it sounds alarming" or "that sounds alarming"?

Both "it sounds alarming" and "that sounds alarming" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "That sounds alarming" might be slightly more common when referring to a specific statement or situation, while "it sounds alarming" is a more general reaction.

What's the difference between "it sounds alarming" and "it is alarming"?

"It sounds alarming" expresses a subjective reaction to something, suggesting that it gives an impression of being worrisome. "It is alarming", on the other hand, is a more direct statement indicating that something is objectively causing alarm or concern.