set the alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

"set the alarm" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of establishing a predetermined time for an alarm to go off, such as for a wake-up call in the morning. For example: "Be sure to set the alarm for 6am so that you don't oversleep!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

She set the alarm.

The Washington Post

"Set the alarm for 2020".

The New Yorker

Once again I set the alarm clock.

The Guardian - Books

NO ALARM On the weekends we don't set the alarm.

The New York Times

I can't work out how to set the alarm.

The Guardian - Travel

" Set the alarm 10 minutes earlier and wake up with stretching.

Columbia University

Beck returned to his hotel, set the alarm, and went to bed.

The New Yorker

He also showed Bennett how to set the alarm on his digital watch.

The New Yorker

Pulling out of the driveway, it will lock the house and set the alarm.

The New York Times

CLOCKWORK Every morning is exactly the same, because I always set the alarm for 6 o'clock.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Set the alarm for seven," he told his wife.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or narratives, use "set the alarm" to clearly indicate the action of preparing an alarm for a specific time.

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when describing the action. For example, don't say "I will set the alarm" in one sentence and then say "I forget setting the alarm" later; maintain consistent tense throughout your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the alarm" functions as a directive, instructing or describing the action of configuring an alarm device. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts where this phrase is used to denote the act of scheduling an alarm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

38%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set the alarm" is a common and straightforward directive used to describe the act of configuring an alarm for a specific time. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, wikis, and academic writings. The primary purpose is to ensure timely awakening or remind oneself of an upcoming event. The register is typically neutral, making it suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "program the alarm" or "activate the alarm" exist, "set the alarm" remains the most direct and universally understood way to express this action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

program the alarm

Emphasizes the technical aspect of configuring the alarm.

configure the alarm

Focuses on the act of adjusting settings for the alarm.

activate the alarm

Highlights the action of making the alarm ready for use.

enable the alarm

Similar to activate, but with a focus on turning the alarm on.

schedule the alarm

Emphasizes the planning and timing aspect of setting an alarm.

arrange for the alarm

Suggests a more formal or planned setting of the alarm.

prepare the alarm to sound

More descriptive, focusing on the preparation for the alarm's activation.

get the alarm ready

Informal, emphasizing the act of making the alarm functional.

put on the alarm

More colloquial, indicating the action of setting the alarm.

establish the alarm time

Focuses on the specific act of setting the time for the alarm.

FAQs

How to use "set the alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "set the alarm" in various contexts, such as: "I need to "set the alarm" for 6 AM tomorrow.", or "Don't forget to "set the alarm" before going to bed."

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

You can use alternatives like "program the alarm", "configure the alarm", or "activate the alarm" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "setting the alarm" instead of "set the alarm"?

"Setting the alarm" is the gerund form, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, "Setting the alarm is crucial for waking up on time." In contrast, "set the alarm" is an imperative or infinitive form.

What's the difference between "set the alarm" and "snooze the alarm"?

"Set the alarm" means to prepare the alarm to ring at a specific time, while "snooze the alarm" means to temporarily postpone the alarm when it rings.