on full alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “on full alert” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something or someone is prepared and attentive for potential danger or trouble. For example: The neighborhood is on full alert as the criminal remains at large.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He ordered all New York police officers and other agencies to be "on full alert".

The Guardian

Wooller said that his ginger group was "on full alert to mobilise against any proposed merger".

Wikipedia

Enemy Spy! Always be on full alert!

WikiHow

The city went on full alert.

The New York Times

Even the locals are on full alert".

The Guardian

"We're on full alert," he said.

The New York Times

Russian nuclear missiles, submarines, and bombers were on full alert.

The New Yorker

"Now we are on full alert," Ms. Nabakooba said.

The New York Times

"The Lebanese military and security forces are on full alert".

The Guardian

Paulson and Bernanke put their staffs on full alert.

The Washington Post

Does it need 7,000 nuclear weapons on full alert, and three weapons laboratories?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on full alert" to convey a state of heightened readiness and vigilance, especially when facing potential threats or emergencies. For example, "The security team was on full alert during the high-profile event".

Common error

Avoid using "on full alert" in trivial contexts. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine sense of heightened risk or anticipation of potential problems. Overusing it can dilute its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on full alert" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of heightened readiness or vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing various entities, from security forces to abstract concepts like one's senses, being prepared for potential danger or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on full alert" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of heightened readiness or vigilance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in academic and wiki sources. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations involving potential threats or emergencies and avoid overuse in mundane contexts. Alternatives such as "on high alert", "vigilant", and "at the ready" can provide nuanced variations of meaning. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of "on full alert" is both accurate and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on high alert

Indicates a slightly less intense state of readiness compared to "on full alert".

on red alert

Suggests the highest level of alarm and immediate danger.

on guard

Implies a defensive posture and readiness to respond to threats.

vigilant

Highlights attentiveness and watchfulness to detect potential problems.

watchful

Focuses on careful observation and attentiveness.

prepared

Emphasizes readiness and anticipation of potential events.

at the ready

Suggests immediate availability and preparedness for action.

on standby

Indicates a state of readiness to be activated or deployed.

in a state of readiness

A more formal way to describe being prepared for action.

with heightened awareness

Emphasizes the mental state of being particularly attentive and observant.

FAQs

How can I use "on full alert" in a sentence?

You can use "on full alert" to describe a state of heightened readiness or vigilance, such as, "The troops were "on full alert" after receiving intelligence about a possible attack."

What are some alternatives to saying "on full alert"?

Alternatives include "on high alert", "vigilant", or "at the ready", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "on full alert" or should I use another preposition?

"On full alert" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. Other prepositions would not convey the same meaning.

What does it mean to be "on full alert"?

To be "on full alert" means to be in a state of maximum readiness and vigilance, typically in response to a perceived threat or emergency. It implies a heightened level of awareness and preparedness for potential action.