to alert them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to alert them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to inform or notify someone about something important or urgent. Example: "I need to send an email to alert them about the upcoming deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their mathematical models failed to alert them to potential perils.

The New Yorker

Then, contact the sender to alert them to the issue with the file.

Cornell University

She said she called friends who worked in a Radio Shack outlet there to alert them.

The New York Times

I called colleagues to alert them to the potential anger, but was rebuffed.

The New York Times

Nor, significantly, did it even occur to me to alert them.

Independent

To support their experts, attorneys must be able to alert them to major issues of controversy.

Harvard University

The Quaids say nobody called them to alert them about the mistake.

The New York Times

Eurostar said it was contacting affected passengers to alert them to the disruption to services.

The Guardian

Before recruiting any more girls, would you want to alert them to this fact?

The New York Times

Mr. Berger telephoned several Congressional leaders late Thursday to alert them to Mr. Clinton's decision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

LIKE many doctors, Shri Kulkarni and Kris Stanek carry pagers to alert them to emergencies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "to alert them". In formal contexts, "to notify them" might be more appropriate, while in informal settings, "to let them know" could suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "to alert them" when simply informing someone of routine information. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when a genuine alert is necessary. Opt for milder alternatives like "to inform them" or "to notify them" in routine scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to alert them" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, specifically, to make someone aware of something, often something important or urgent. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to alert them" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to convey a sense of urgency and prompt awareness. It functions to inform individuals of situations requiring immediate attention and is prevalent in news, scientific, and general communication contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's best to reserve it for scenarios where a genuine alert is necessary, as overusing it in routine situations can diminish its impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard and usable part of the English language, and there are many alternative options to consider for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to notify them

A more formal and direct way of saying to inform them, suitable for official contexts.

to inform them

A general way to communicate information, lacking the sense of urgency that "alert" implies.

to warn them

Emphasizes caution and impending danger, highlighting the potential negative consequences.

to advise them

Suggests providing guidance or recommendations, often in a professional or expert capacity.

to caution them

Similar to 'warn,' but often implies a milder level of risk or potential problem.

to make them aware

Focuses on bringing something to their attention, often used when they are currently uninformed.

to apprise them

A formal term for informing someone, often used in legal or business settings.

to give them notice

Implies a formal announcement or heads-up, often about a future event or change.

to flag it for them

Suggests highlighting a specific item or issue for their attention.

to bring it to their attention

A general way to introduce a topic or issue, often when it has been overlooked.

FAQs

What's a formal alternative to "to alert them"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "to notify them" or "to apprise them" to maintain a professional tone.

When should I use "to warn them" instead of "to alert them"?

Use "to warn them" when you want to emphasize potential danger or negative consequences. "To alert them" is a more general term for bringing something to someone's attention, while "to warn them" specifically highlights risk.

Is "to alert them" appropriate for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "to alert them" can sound overly formal in casual settings. In informal communication, consider using phrases like "to let them know" or "to tell them".

How does "to inform them" differ from "to alert them"?

"To inform them" simply means to convey information. "To alert them" implies a sense of urgency or the need for immediate attention due to potential risks or important developments.