quite alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is particularly worrying or startling. Example: The number of people affected by the virus is quite alarming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's quite alarming.

The Guardian - Books

That is quite alarming.

The Guardian - Sport

It can be quite alarming".

The Guardian - Books

It was all quite alarming".

The Guardian - Books

Some of them were really quite alarming.

Independent

It can be quite alarming when they chase you.

Independent

This President has made claims that are really quite alarming.

The New Yorker

The level of criticism being aimed at Ponting in Australia is quite alarming.

Independent

CC: It must be quite alarming to have that sort of detail around you.

The Guardian - Film

"It is really quite alarming, particularly when you take a look at the catalogues.

The Guardian - Arts

And then all the data on quality and defects and errors are really quite alarming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite alarming" to express genuine concern or surprise about a situation or piece of information. It's suitable when something is more than just slightly worrying, but not necessarily catastrophic.

Common error

Avoid using "quite alarming" too frequently in informal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic or insincere. Opt for simpler expressions like "worrying" or "concerning" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite alarming" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the adjective "alarming", indicating a significant level of concern or worry. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite alarming" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase used to express a significant degree of worry or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While usable in formal communication, it's essential to avoid overuse in casual settings where it can sound overly dramatic. Consider alternatives like "quite distressing" or "quite worrisome" to vary your language. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a heightened sense of unease without resorting to extreme or hyperbolic language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely alarming

Intensifies the level of alarm, suggesting a higher degree of worry.

rather alarming

Subtly softens the level of alarm, suggesting a slightly less intense worry.

quite worrisome

Directly expresses concern and anxiety about something.

quite distressing

Focuses on the emotional impact, highlighting the upsetting or troubling nature of something.

quite unsettling

Suggests something creates a feeling of unease or discomfort.

quite ominous

Shifts the focus to a sense of foreboding or impending threat, rather than immediate alarm.

quite shocking

Highlights the surprising and disturbing nature of something.

quite startling

Focuses on the abrupt and surprising nature of something.

quite staggering

Emphasizes the overwhelming or astonishing nature of something, rather than its worrying aspects.

quite astonishing

Emphasizes the surprising and hard-to-believe nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "quite alarming" in a sentence?

Use "quite alarming" to describe situations or information that are significantly worrying or disturbing. For example, "The increase in unemployment rates is quite alarming."

What are some alternatives to "quite alarming"?

You can use alternatives like "quite distressing", "quite worrisome", or "absolutely alarming" to express similar concerns.

Is "quite alarming" formal or informal?

"Quite alarming" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but avoid it in very casual conversation where it might sound overly dramatic. Consider "worrying" or "concerning" for less formal situations.

When should I use "quite alarming" instead of "alarming"?

Use "quite alarming" to emphasize the degree of worry or concern. It suggests that the situation is more than just alarming; it's significantly troubling. If something is simply worrying, "alarming" may suffice.