seriously alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

"seriously alarming" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is deeply concerning or shocking. For example, "The rise in CO2 levels is seriously alarming and calls for immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Swift stated that Sweet's behaviour was "seriously alarming and harassing and are extremely distressing to me and my family".

Independent

So while everyone in this debate is on point in arguing that human rights are under threat with the upcoming Sochi 2014 games, there are actually many reasons why this global celebration of athleticism causes a lot of seriously alarming societal issues.  .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Kate Lloyd, medical director of Pfizer UK, said: "Patient safety is our top concern and we are seriously alarmed at the discovery of counterfeit medicine in the UK.

Independent

Any of these threats would concern wildlife lovers, but the fact that they are all coming together has senior conservationists seriously alarmed.

Independent

The shine is long off the ball, though the universities – seriously alarmed by what Brexit might mean for their research funding – are stirring, not before time.

The Guardian

That legislation, championed by actors including Halle Berry, increases penalties on anyone attempting to record or photograph a child because of the identity of their parents in a manner that "seriously alarms, annoys, torments, or terrorises" them.

The Guardian - Music

He is good for the country because he gives the small fraction of cable-watching American adults who are seriously alarmed by the threat of communism taking hold in the United States the sense that they are being listened to, and my instinct is that this will keep them from embracing more extreme views.

The Economist

Deare was not at all frightened at this natural consequence, but he was most seriously alarmed when an immense and fierce yard-dog, who had heard the working of the pump, commenced barking: go out he durst not, so there he remained, after putting out his light, till the workmen arrived in the morning".

The Guardian - Books

Any change is likely to seriously alarm Japan's East Asian neighbours.

BBC

Seriously alarmed by the series of setbacks, Heraclius prepared for a counterattack to reacquire the lost regions.

Wikipedia

Jennifer addressed the crowd, but instead of discussing boundaries, safe words and hygiene, she walked us through California Senate Bill 606, which made it illegal to photograph a child because of their parent's employment in a manner that "seriously alarms, annoys, torments, or terrorizes" them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seriously alarming" to convey a strong sense of worry or danger, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant significant concern.

Common error

Avoid using "seriously alarming" in casual conversation or for minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations of significant concern or potential danger; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously alarming" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "alarming." It describes something as not just alarming, but gravely so, emphasizing the severity of the concern. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seriously alarming" serves to amplify the sense of alarm or concern, employed to emphasize the gravity of a situation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, though its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for contexts where conveying a strong message is essential. Remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant significant concern, as overuse could diminish its impact. Related phrases include "deeply concerning" and "justifiably alarming", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiably alarming

Adds the concept of justifiability, clarifying that the alarm is valid.

major cause for alarm

Reorders the words slightly and replaces "concerning" with "alarm", keeping a very similar meaning.

deeply concerning

Focuses on the level of worry the situation causes, omitting the element of shock.

gravely concerning

Emphasizes the severity and potentially negative outcome of the concern.

extremely worrisome

Focuses on the worry the situation creates, omitting any mention of shock.

highly disturbing

Highlights the unsettling and unsettling nature of the situation.

a matter of grave concern

Replaces the adjective phrase with a noun phrase that has a more formal tone.

cause for great concern

Replaces the adjective phrase with a noun phrase, shifting the emphasis.

reason for serious worry

Breaks down the phrase into more basic components, making it less impactful.

raises significant fears

Focuses on the creation of fear rather than direct concern or alarm.

FAQs

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

You can use "seriously alarming" to describe situations or events that cause significant concern or worry. For example, "The increase in cyberattacks is "seriously alarming"." It often implies a potential threat or danger.

What are some alternatives to "seriously alarming"?

Alternatives include "deeply concerning", "highly disturbing", or "justifiably alarming", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seriously alarming" a formal or informal expression?

"Seriously alarming" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's best used when the situation genuinely warrants a strong expression of concern. Overusing it in casual conversation can diminish its impact. In more formal context you can consider "a matter of grave concern".

Can "seriously alarming" be used to describe feelings or only events?

While it's more common to use "seriously alarming" to describe events or situations that cause concern, it can also be used to describe feelings. For example, "His sudden change in behavior was "seriously alarming"."