on high alert

USAGE SUMMARY

"on high alert" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used to describe a situation in which people or authorities are responding to heightened security or are paying extra close attention to something.
Example sentence: The police are on high alert as they search for the missing suspect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The soldiers were on high alert.

The New York Times

But I'm definitely on high alert now.

The New Yorker

The body thus stays revved up and on high alert.

Harvard University

Currently Britain is on high alert for its inevitable arrival.

The Guardian

Attentive audiences are always on high alert for imposters.

BBC

I am on high alert now.

Los Angeles Times

The bookies are also on high alert.

Independent

Your eyes go on high alert.

The New York Times - Arts

UN peacekeepers are on high alert.

The Economist

The security forces went on high alert.

The Economist

The Indian army is on high alert.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on high alert" to describe situations where there is an increased sense of awareness and readiness due to a perceived threat or potential danger. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the threat is and who or what is on alert.

Common error

Avoid using "on high alert" for everyday situations that do not involve a genuine elevated risk. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on high alert" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of being prepared for potential danger or threat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in describing security forces, cities, and even individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on high alert" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of heightened readiness or awareness, especially in response to potential threats. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "on heightened alert" or "in a state of vigilance" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its broad applicability across diverse scenarios, from military operations to personal safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on heightened alert

Emphasizes the increased level of alertness.

in a state of vigilance

Highlights the condition of being watchful and prepared.

on standby

Implies readiness for immediate action or response.

in a state of readiness

Focuses on the preparation and availability to respond.

keeping a close watch

Indicates careful observation and attention.

maintaining vigilance

Stresses the continuous effort to stay alert.

exercising caution

Highlights the need for careful and prudent action.

at the ready

Suggests a state of immediate availability and preparedness.

with heightened awareness

Focuses on increased perception and understanding of surroundings.

prepared for any eventuality

Highlights the comprehensive readiness for various possible outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "on high alert" to describe situations where there is heightened awareness due to a potential threat. For example, "The police are "on high alert" after the bomb threat" or "The security forces went "on high alert" following the intelligence reports".

What's the difference between "on alert" and "on high alert"?

"On alert" indicates a general state of readiness, while "on high alert" suggests a significantly elevated level of readiness, often in response to a specific, increased threat.

What are some alternatives to "on high alert"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "on heightened alert", "in a state of vigilance", or "on standby".

Is it appropriate to use "on high alert" in formal writing?

Yes, "on high alert" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, security briefings, and official statements. However, ensure the context warrants the use of such a strong phrase. If unsure, consider using "on heightened alert" as a softer expression.