set an alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set an alarm" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of setting a physical alarm clock, a digital device, or a reminder on your mobile phone. For example: "I need to remember to call my sister tomorrow, so I better set an alarm for 8 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I don't even bother to set an alarm.

The New York Times - Travel

Set an alarm (or two) to make sure you wake up on time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I set an alarm to remind myself three weeks from now about something I've read.

The New York Times

1. Set an alarm.

Forbes

Set an alarm (phone or online countdown).

Science Magazine

Step 1: Set an alarm.

TechCrunch

Set an alarm for 1 minute.

Forbes

Tell it to set an alarm.

TechCrunch

Set an alarm for 7PM EST.

TechCrunch

Then, I set an alarm to ring each hour.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"O.K., I've set an alarm for 6 a.m. tomorrow," the phone replies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or providing guidance, use "set an alarm" to clearly communicate the need for a time-based reminder.

Common error

Avoid using "set an alarm" when the intended meaning is to "sound the alarm", which implies warning others of immediate danger. "Set an alarm" refers to scheduling a future reminder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set an alarm" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to configure a time-based alert. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its usability. Many examples in Ludwig illustrate this command function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

34%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set an alarm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves the primary function of instructing someone to configure a time-based alert for various purposes, predominantly in informal contexts like personal reminders and time management. While generally neutral in register, it is also suitable for professional and formal contexts. Ludwig AI provides many examples to illustrate its proper usage, confirming that the phrase is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its usage spans a wide range of platforms from news articles, how-to guides, and even general instructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

configure a reminder

Focuses on the technical aspect of setting up a notification.

schedule a notification

Emphasizes the planned nature of the alert.

establish a reminder

Similar to "configure a reminder" but slightly more formal.

program a timer

Highlights the duration-based aspect of the alert.

enable a notification

Highlights the action of turning on a notification feature.

activate a time alert

Focuses on initiating an alert based on a specific time.

arrange a wake-up call

Specifically relates to alerts for waking up.

put on a reminder

An alternative to setting a reminder for a specific task.

trigger a reminder

Highlights the activation of the reminder.

create a time-based alert

Focuses on the creation of a notification bound to a specific time.

FAQs

How do you use "set an alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "set an alarm" to indicate the act of configuring a reminder for a specific time. For example, "I need to set an alarm so I don't miss my meeting." or "Did you remember to set an alarm for tomorrow morning?"

What can I say instead of "set an alarm"?

You can use alternatives like "configure a reminder", "schedule a notification", or "program a timer" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "set up an alarm" instead of "set an alarm"?

While both phrases are understandable, "set an alarm" is the more common and concise way to express the action of configuring a time-based alert. "Set up an alarm" is also correct, but implies a more elaborate configuration process.

What's the difference between "set an alarm" and "set a reminder"?

"Set an alarm" specifically refers to a time-based notification to wake someone up or signal a specific time. "Set a reminder" is broader and can include reminders for tasks, appointments, or other events that don't necessarily involve an audible alarm.