shows alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or reaction where someone expresses concern or fear about something. Example: "The sudden loud noise shows alarm among the crowd, causing many to look around in confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The husband, Harry Peter Brouwerr), shows alarm and outrage for about 15 seconds, but then the two are ready to pour their guts out to the intruder.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The new film, by contrast, shows alarming traces of softness.

The New Yorker

It's especially strong as growing energy independence reduces America's burden for policing the region, and its supposed ally, Israel, shows alarming signs of turning into a loose cannon.

The New York Times

Carrier IQ Video Shows Alarming Capabilities Of Mobile Tracking Software.

TechCrunch

SMR for IHD in Slovakia shows alarming values in comparison with EU-28.

Health Economics Review

In particular the Department for Education shows "alarming reluctance to play an active role" in improving the lot of these children, say the MPs.

BBC

In some cases, users called for help with no apparent reason; we suspect that they wanted to have some social contact with the person on the other side, although they did not admit this. Figure 6 shows alarms that were triggered by the users manually.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Animation shows alarming trend in the Arctic Ocean.

Vice

Related: Animation Shows Alarming Trend in the Arctic Ocean.

Vice

And yes, the economic news has been bad and Europe shows alarming signs of hurtling off the edge.

Huffington Post

Besides remarkable hospital mortality, research from the recent years shows alarming long-term mortality among patients who were discharged as clinically recovered after a CAP episode [ 12- 21].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shows alarm", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the alarm and who or what is displaying it. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the source of the alarm. Ensure that your sentence clearly links the display of alarm to its specific trigger to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows alarm" functions as a verb phrase, where "shows" is the verb indicating an action or display, and "alarm" is the noun representing the emotion or state being displayed. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shows alarm" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the display of concern or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, as shown by Ludwig's examples. To enhance clarity, always specify the cause of alarm. Consider using alternatives such as "expresses concern" or "displays anxiety" to adjust the tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expresses concern

This alternative conveys a similar sense of worry, but focuses on verbal or written communication of that worry, rather than an outward display.

displays anxiety

This alternative focuses on the visible manifestation of anxiety, emphasizing the physical or behavioral signs of unease.

reveals apprehension

This alternative suggests a more subtle or indirect indication of fear, rather than an overt demonstration.

manifests worry

This alternative emphasizes the outward appearance of being worried, highlighting the observable signs of concern.

betrays fear

This option suggests that the fear is being unwillingly revealed, as if the person is trying to hide it.

indicates trepidation

This alternative uses a more formal word ('trepidation') for fear, indicating a more elevated or literary style.

evinces disquiet

This alternative suggests a subtle expression of disturbance or restlessness, rather than overt alarm.

signals unease

This alternative implies a more subdued or understated indication of discomfort or anxiety.

reflects agitation

This alternative highlights a state of being stirred up or excited, often in an anxious or disturbed way.

conveys perturbation

This alternative uses a more formal and less common word ('perturbation') to describe a state of being disturbed or disquieted.

FAQs

How can I use "shows alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "shows alarm" to describe a person's reaction, for example: "The witness "shows alarm" upon seeing the defendant." Or, it can describe a general atmosphere of concern: "The news "shows alarm" about the economy."

What are some alternatives to "shows alarm"?

Alternatives include phrases like "expresses concern", "displays anxiety", or "reveals apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shows alarm" formal or informal?

"Shows alarm" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "evinces disquiet".

Which is correct, "shows alarm" or "shows an alarm"?

"Shows alarm" is correct. The phrase describes displaying a state of alert or concern. "Shows an alarm" would imply displaying a physical alarm device.