she was alarmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was alarmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of fear or concern that someone is experiencing in response to a situation. Example: "When she heard the loud crash outside, she was alarmed and rushed to the window to see what had happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No!" She was alarmed.

The New York Times

She was alarmed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She was alarmed and distressed at their content.

Independent

But she was alarmed when her ears popped in the elevator.

The New York Times

She was alarmed with his initial work on the stream garden.

The New York Times

Lynn Needleman, executive director of Long Island Cares, said she was alarmed by the situation.

The New York Times

Beselia saw her client on Monday and said she was alarmed by his appearance.

The Guardian

In Mr. Cho's case, she was alarmed before he had written a word.

The New York Times

She ended up losing so much weight so fast she was alarmed.

The New York Times - Health

But her apartment was on the 42nd floor — so high that she was alarmed by the whistling wind.

The New York Times

Mrs Steel said most parents were honest and supportive but she was alarmed by the growing minority who were not.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive synonyms if "she was alarmed" feels too mild for the situation you're describing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on passive constructions like "she was alarmed" can make your writing feel less direct. Opt for active voice when possible for a more engaging narrative. For example, instead of "she was alarmed by the noise", consider "the noise alarmed her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was alarmed" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of apprehension or fear experienced by a female subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was alarmed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a state of apprehension or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, especially in news and media. While it's a versatile expression, consider synonyms like "she was frightened" or "she was concerned" to add nuance. Avoid overuse of the passive voice to maintain a direct and engaging writing style. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate a character's emotional state in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was frightened

Employs "frightened", a direct synonym, in place of "alarmed".

she felt anxious

Replaces "alarmed" with a synonym that suggests worry or unease.

she became concerned

Substitutes "alarmed" with a phrase indicating worry or apprehension.

she grew worried

Replaces "alarmed" with a more gradual onset of concern.

she felt apprehensive

Replaces "alarmed" with a more formal term, "apprehensive".

she got worried

Replaces "alarmed" with the phrasal verb "got worried".

she got scared

Uses a more informal term, "scared", instead of "alarmed".

she was disturbed

Uses "disturbed" to convey a sense of unease and concern.

she took fright

Offers a more literary or old-fashioned alternative.

she panicked

Indicates a stronger, more immediate reaction than "alarmed".

FAQs

What does "she was alarmed" mean?

The phrase "she was alarmed" describes a state of being worried, disturbed, or frightened by something unexpected or threatening.

What can I say instead of "she was alarmed"?

You can use alternatives like "she was frightened", "she was concerned", or "she became anxious depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "she was alarmed" formal or informal?

The phrase "she was alarmed" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist.

How to use "she was alarmed" in a sentence?

The phrase "she was alarmed" is typically followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the cause of the alarm. For example, "She was alarmed by the sudden noise" or "She was alarmed at the news".