remain on alert

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain on alert" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to tell someone that they should be alert and prepared, either for a specific situation or in general. For example, you could say, "We must remain on alert for any changes in the weather forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But a total of one million soldiers remain on alert on both sides of the frontier of the two countries.

The New York Times

The Environment Agency is urging people to remain on alert after it issued one flood warning on the Lower Dee and 12 flood alerts in Wales.

BBC

"We are telling the community to remain on alert".

The New York Times

But like Ms. Murray, people remain on alert.

The New York Times

They will remain on alert, Mr. Fernandes said.

The New York Times

Will a public opinion tired of these massacres remain on alert for long?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

On Monday morning, before the shootout took place, police officers remained on alert throughout much of the city, though some semblance of normal life was returning.

The New York Times

He said he expected northern New Jersey to remain on heightened alert for months.

The New York Times

Investors remain on high alert this week as many forces are at play in the markets.

Forbes

But the Israeli military remained on alert.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, hundreds of Minuteman III missiles remained on alert.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain on alert" to emphasize the continuation of a state of readiness, especially after a period of heightened activity or threat. For example, "Even after the storm passed, residents were advised to "remain on alert" for potential flooding".

Common error

Avoid using "remain on alert" when there's no specific threat or reason for heightened awareness. Saying "We must "remain on alert" for general life challenges" is an overstatement. Instead, reserve it for situations demanding focused attention and preparation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain on alert" functions as a directive, urging individuals or groups to maintain a state of readiness and vigilance. Ludwig examples show it being used in contexts ranging from military preparedness to weather warnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain on alert" is a common and grammatically correct directive to maintain vigilance and readiness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating that it's suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its function is to warn and advise, urging preparedness for potential dangers. While versatile, it's best used in situations where continued vigilance is genuinely necessary, avoiding overuse in passive or trivial scenarios. Alternatives like "stay vigilant" or "be on the lookout" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain vigilance

Highlights the act of continually keeping watch.

stay vigilant

Focuses on maintaining a state of watchfulness and attentiveness.

be on one's guard

Suggests being ready to defend against potential threats.

keep a watchful eye

Emphasizes careful observation and attention to detail.

be on the lookout

Suggests actively searching for potential threats or problems.

exercise caution

Implies a need for careful behavior and awareness of potential risks.

be prepared

Stresses readiness to respond to possible events.

be attentive

Focuses on paying close attention to surroundings and information.

stay informed

Highlights the importance of being up-to-date on relevant information.

keep abreast of

Implies following developments to be updated.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain on alert" to advise someone to stay watchful and prepared, such as, "The authorities urged citizens to "remain on alert" following the earthquake".

What does "remain on alert" mean?

"Remain on alert" means to continue being vigilant and prepared for potential dangers or unexpected events.

Which is correct, "remain on alert" or "remain alerted"?

"Remain on alert" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Remain alerted" is less idiomatic and less frequently used.

What are some alternatives to "remain on alert"?

Some alternatives include "stay vigilant", "be on the lookout", or "keep a watchful eye".