reason for alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason for alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there is a cause for concern or worry about a particular situation or event. Example: "The sudden increase in crime rates in the neighborhood is a reason for alarm among residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Americans had reason for alarm.

The New York Times - Health

It turned out that Gagliardi had reason for alarm.

The New York Times - Sports

At Mexican restaurants, there is reason for alarm.

The Washington Post

But there's also a sociological reason for alarm.

The Washington Post

But Cruz's texts to him gave no reason for alarm.

The Washington Post

They see no reason for alarm, even if the AKP is banned.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

One more reason for alarms to sound.The other sign of impending trouble is rapid monetary growth.

The Economist

The top reason for Alarmed non-Latinos (31%) and English-language Latinos (30%) is preventing the destruction of most life on the planet.

Yale University

And no reason for alarm--unlike Willow Smith's recently dyed green coif, Zahara's hair streaks are not her real hair.

Huffington Post

Heatwaves are bad enough – they dramatically affect crop yields – but there are deeper reasons for alarm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyone concerned about the country's religious settlement, about the distribution of wealth, about its foreign relations, about the possibility of civil war — that is, almost anyone who was fully sentient in the fifteen-nineties — must have brooded about the state of the Queen's health, the threat of Spanish invasion, the clandestine presence of Jesuits, and other reasons for alarm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reason for alarm", ensure the context clearly establishes what the potential danger or negative outcome is. This provides clarity and impact to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "reason for alarm" when the situation warrants only mild concern. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason for alarm" functions as a noun phrase that signifies a justification or cause for worry, concern, or a state of alert. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, signaling potential threats or negative outcomes that merit attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reason for alarm" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a cause for concern or worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While alternative phrases such as "cause for concern" or "grounds for apprehension" exist, "reason for alarm" often carries a stronger sense of urgency and potential danger. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly articulates the potential threat to maximize its impact. Avoid overuse to maintain its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for concern

Emphasizes the aspect of worry or anxiety, slightly less intense than alarm.

grounds for apprehension

Focuses on anticipating something negative, suggesting a more formal tone.

matter for unease

Highlights a state of discomfort or anxiety, less urgent than alarm.

basis for worry

Directly points to the foundation or justification for concern.

source of anxiety

Identifies the origin or trigger of anxious feelings.

justification for disquiet

Implies a valid and reasoned basis for feeling unsettled.

occasion for disquietude

Highlights a specific event or circumstance causing unease.

impetus for fear

Suggests a driving force or motivation behind a feeling of fear.

pretext for alarm

A more suspicious alternative, implies the reason is not the true motivation.

excuse for panic

Suggests an overreaction or an unjustified feeling of extreme anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "reason for alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "reason for alarm" to indicate a cause for concern or worry. For example, "The increasing number of cyber attacks is a "reason for alarm" for many businesses".

What are some alternatives to "reason for alarm"?

Alternatives include "cause for concern", "grounds for apprehension", or "matter for unease" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reason for alarm" or "cause for alarm"?

Both "reason for alarm" and "cause for alarm" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to express.

When should I use "reason for alarm" instead of "reason for concern"?

Use "reason for alarm" when you want to emphasize a more urgent or serious level of concern compared to "reason for concern". "Alarm" implies a higher degree of potential danger or negative consequences.