state of alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is heightened concern or urgency, often in response to a crisis or emergency. Example: "The government declared a state of alarm due to the severe weather conditions affecting the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Your body's in a state of alarm.

The New York Times

In a state of alarm, I was concerned for all.

Independent

"Declaring the state of alarm amounts to a declaration of impotence," Mr. Rajoy told Parliament.

The New York Times

This is a hormone associated with a heightened state of alarm.

The Guardian

In terms of the human wiring, that is a state of alarm.

The Guardian - Music

It was one of his regular patients, a young man now in a wild state of alarm.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

You would think that if medical professionals could distinguish between states of alarm--the swine flu rose from a level four to a level five yesterday--they could also agree on procedures to deal with cases like ours.

The New Yorker

Here is an example combining liveness and safety properties of a single computation: "Whenever a state of alert is reached, the alarm is activated and remains activated until a safe state is eventually reached".

SEP

'To put somebody into a state of a alarm is not louche behaviour!

The Guardian - Arts

At the time, London was in a state of feverish alarm.

The New York Times

The British playwright Peter Nichols likes, he says, to keep audiences in a state of "comic alarm".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about government actions or legal frameworks, consider using "state of alarm" to accurately reflect the formal declaration and its implications.

Common error

Avoid using "state of alarm" to describe personal feelings of anxiety or worry. This phrase is typically reserved for formal declarations by authorities in response to specific events or crises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of alarm" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows it is commonly used as a subject or object in sentences describing governmental declarations or responses to crisis situations, indicating a specific legal or administrative status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "state of alarm" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, typically found in formal contexts such as news reports and official announcements. Ludwig AI analysis highlights that it serves to inform and declare a heightened state of alert or emergency, often involving governmental or organizational actions. While predominantly neutral in register, its usage indicates a serious underlying situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's important to reserve this phrase for formal declarations and avoid using it to describe personal feelings. Alternative phrases like "state of emergency" or "condition of alert" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of emergency

Emphasizes the urgency and the need for immediate action, often invoked by governments.

condition of alert

Focuses on the readiness and awareness of potential threats or dangers.

heightened alert

Highlights an increased level of vigilance and preparedness.

crisis situation

Indicates a critical or dangerous situation requiring decisive intervention.

emergency situation

Describes an unexpected event requiring immediate action.

period of unrest

Focuses on social or political disturbance and instability.

time of crisis

Highlights the temporal aspect of a critical or dangerous situation.

national emergency

Refers to a severe situation affecting the entire country.

code red

Emphasizes the highest level of alert in a specific system or organization.

level of alarm

Highlights the degree of worry or fear caused by a perceived danger.

FAQs

How is "state of alarm" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "state of alarm" is generally used to describe a situation where authorities have formally declared a heightened level of alert, often in response to an emergency or crisis. For example, "The government declared a "state of alarm" after the earthquake".

What's the difference between a "state of alarm" and a "state of emergency"?

While both terms indicate a serious situation, a "state of alarm" is often considered a less severe measure than a "state of emergency". The specific powers granted to authorities may vary depending on the legal framework in place.

Are there alternatives to "state of alarm" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "condition of alert", "heightened alert", or "crisis situation".

Is "state of alarm" a formal or informal expression?

"State of alarm" is generally considered a formal expression, often used in official announcements and news reports. It is not typically used in casual conversation.