to be alarmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be alarmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of concern or fear about a situation or event. Example: "Many people tend to be alarmed by sudden changes in their environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there is reason to be alarmed.

The New York Times

But perhaps they ought to be alarmed.

The Economist

"Nothing to be alarmed about.

The New Yorker

There is no need to be alarmed.

The Washington Post

Activists are right to be alarmed.

The Guardian

No one seemed to be alarmed.

The New York Times - Sports

Cameron is right to be alarmed.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said not to be alarmed.

The New York Times

Corruption is pervasive enough for donors to be alarmed.

The Economist

In other words, it is right to be alarmed.

The New York Times

History and demographics suggest he is right to be alarmed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be alarmed" when you want to express a sense of concern or fear stemming from a specific event or situation. Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey; alternatives like "to be concerned" or "to be worried" might be more appropriate for milder situations.

Common error

Avoid overuse in contexts that require more nuanced expressions of concern. Repeatedly using "to be alarmed" can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to convey different levels and types of worry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be alarmed" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a predicate adjective describing a state of heightened awareness or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. The examples show it describing reactions to news, events, or potential threats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be alarmed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing concern or fear. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, while examples demonstrate its broad applicability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. When writing, consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey and choose alternative phrases accordingly. Avoid overusing "to be alarmed" by incorporating varied language to maintain a nuanced and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to feel worried

Focuses on the emotional state of worry as a response.

to feel concerned

Implies a milder form of worry or interest in a situation.

to be apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of anxiety about a future event.

to grow anxious

Indicates a gradual increase in anxiety or worry.

to be fearful

Emphasizes the presence of fear or dread.

to be on edge

Describes a state of heightened alertness and nervousness.

to be vigilant

Highlights the act of being watchful and alert to danger.

to take heed

Focuses on paying attention to a warning or sign.

to pay attention

Implies focusing on something important or potentially dangerous.

to be on the lookout

Describes actively searching for potential threats or problems.

FAQs

How can I use "to be alarmed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be alarmed" to express concern or fear about something. For example: "People began "to be alarmed" when they heard the news".

What's a less intense alternative to "to be alarmed"?

If you want to express a milder concern, consider using phrases like "to be concerned" or "to be worried".

Is it always appropriate to use "to be alarmed"?

While grammatically correct, "to be alarmed" might not always fit the tone of your writing. Choose alternatives depending on the specific context and the level of emotion you want to convey.

Can "to be alarmed" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "to be alarmed" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying serious concerns. However, ensure that the overall tone remains appropriate for the context.