spark alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spark alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of causing someone to feel alarmed or concerned about something. Example: "The sudden increase in crime rates in the neighborhood sparked alarm among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Though engineers have been cramming carbon underground for several years notably in Norway the idea could still spark alarm.

The Economist

8.05am BST SPANISH YIELDS SPARK ALARM This morning's nervy selloff has also driven up the yield on Spanish two-year bonds to a new euro-era record of 6.124%.

The Guardian - Business

More here: Ukraine's Currency in Free Fall While a weaker currency could help Ukraine's economy, the ongoing deterioration could spark alarm among Ukrainians - potentially hitting the hryvnia hard if they decide to switch into US dollars.

The Guardian - Business

They said the North may instead hope to spark alarm from its richer neighbor, whose people typically view Pyongyang as a worrisome but far-removed threat — one unlikely to upend their own lives.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Trump's contempt for the U.S. intelligence community has also sparked alarm.

The New Yorker

Soini has run a popular campaign threatening to block the Portuguese bailout, sparking alarm in Brussels and elsewhere.

The Guardian

North Korea gives a US scientist a tour of a uranium plant, sparking alarm at the sophistication of its nuclear technology.

The Guardian

The Jan . 28Axios story sparked alarm, drawing opposition from major telecom companies and catching the White House off guard.

The Washington Post

This sparked alarm from many students who, up until then, did not know that the renovations would include the removal of the mural.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The revelation is sparking alarm among many that she will "flood the market and depress prices" for Picasso's artwork, according to the Times.

Harvard University

The situation sparked alarm bells in Britain, where a massive security operation was put in place last summer to protect the successful London Olympics.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spark alarm" when you want to emphasize the immediate and noticeable onset of worry or concern due to a specific event or situation. It suggests a sudden reaction.

Common error

While "spark alarm" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "raise concern" or "generate apprehension" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark alarm" functions as a verb phrase, where "spark" is the verb indicating the action of initiating or causing, and "alarm" is the noun representing the state of worry or concern. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spark alarm" is a verb phrase used to describe something that causes immediate worry or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in neutral to professional contexts, with a primary usage in News & Media. While it effectively conveys the sense of immediate concern, consider using more formal alternatives like "raise concern" or "generate apprehension" in academic or highly formal writing to maintain a consistent tone. Avoid overusing it, and ensure it accurately reflects the situation's intensity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "spark alarm" to express immediate worry in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise concern

Focuses on the act of initiating worry, less intense than "alarm".

trigger alarm

Emphasizes initiating a sense of alarm, like setting off an alarm system.

cause unease

Highlights the creation of a feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

generate apprehension

Stresses the creation of a feeling of fear or dread about the future.

ignite fears

Implies setting off existing fears, making them more intense.

create panic

Emphasizes the creation of widespread and uncontrolled fear.

instill worry

Highlights the act of gradually causing someone to feel worried.

foment disquiet

Stresses the deliberate stirring up of anxiety or unease.

prompt anxiety

Indicates directly causing a state of anxiety.

arouse suspicion

Focuses on creating a sense of distrust or doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "spark alarm" to describe something that causes immediate worry or concern, for example: "The sudden announcement of the company's debt /s/sparked+alarm among investors."

What can I say instead of "spark alarm"?

You can use alternatives like "raise concern", "trigger alarm", or "cause unease" depending on the specific context.

Is "spark alarm" formal or informal?

The phrase "spark alarm" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. For highly formal or academic writing, consider using "generate apprehension" instead.

What is the difference between "spark alarm" and "raise concern"?

"Spark alarm" suggests a more immediate and intense reaction compared to "raise concern", which implies a more gradual and potentially less severe level of worry.