it was alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that caused concern or fear. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature during the summer months was alarming to the scientists studying climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was alarming.

The Washington Post

"It was alarming to me that it was happening".

The New York Times - Arts

"It was alarming really, how often she moved – at least once a year".

The Guardian - Film

And he said it was alarming that the defense was unable to stop long drives.

The New York Times - Sports

One former commander said it was alarming that armed officers were not at the scene on Saturday.

Independent

James finds comfort in his rituals, but when he sensed the rising temperature in the arena, it was alarming.

The New York Times - Sports

Rooney's header flashed wide and it was alarming to see the lack of confidence with which he attacked the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

The angle at which her hips jutted out from her torso was as seductive as it was alarming.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was alarming to us that these guys had been coming and going since 1985 and we didn't know".

The New York Times

Van Bommel was not alone and it was alarming to see the Dutch so keen on such tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

Students at the school said that it was alarming when the teacher was barricaded, but that the reaction was calm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was alarming", ensure the context clearly explains what specific aspect was alarming and why. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was alarming" as a generic exclamation without providing specific details. Explain what exactly caused alarm, enhancing the impact and informativeness of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was alarming" functions as a subjective expression, conveying a personal reaction of unease or fear in response to an event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase effectively communicates a sense of concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was alarming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a feeling of worry or concern, as validated by Ludwig. It maintains a neutral register and is frequently found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, ensure you provide specific context to enhance clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "it was concerning" or "it was worrying" can be used to express similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was concerning

Changes the intensity of the feeling, being less intense than "alarming".

it was worrying

Emphasizes the element of ongoing worry rather than a sudden shock.

it was disturbing

Highlights the unsettling and unsettling nature of the situation.

it was unsettling

Focuses on the lack of peace of mind caused by the situation.

it was frightening

Directly conveys a sense of fear and potential danger.

it was disconcerting

Emphasizes the confusion and unease caused by the situation.

it was appalling

Indicates strong disapproval and shock at something considered morally wrong.

it was shocking

Stresses the unexpected and surprising nature of the alarming event.

it was horrifying

Conveys a strong sense of disgust, terror, and aversion.

it was dreadful

Underlines the severe unpleasantness and potential for suffering.

FAQs

What does "it was alarming" mean?

The phrase "it was alarming" indicates that a situation, event, or piece of information caused concern, anxiety, or fear due to its unexpected or potentially negative implications.

How to use "it was alarming" in a sentence?

You can use "it was alarming" to describe something that caused you concern. For example, "It was alarming to see the rapid spread of the wildfire."

What can I say instead of "it was alarming"?

You can use alternatives like "it was concerning", "it was worrying", or "it was disturbing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was alarming" formal or informal?

"It was alarming" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.