very alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

"very alarming" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you can use it in a sentence like this: "The news of the rising death toll due to the pandemic was very alarming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are very alarming.

The Guardian

"It was very alarming.

The Guardian

It's a very alarming thing.

The New Yorker

"It's a very alarming development".

The New York Times

"It's very alarming," she said.

The New York Times

This all sounds very alarming — geofencing!

The New Yorker

And it's very alarming to people.

Cornell University

He said: "This is very alarming.

The Guardian

India Potential scale of epidemic very alarming.

The Guardian

To be sure, that is a very alarming fact.

The New Yorker

This might be very alarming for some actors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very alarming", ensure the context clearly explains what is causing the alarm. Provide specific details to support the statement and avoid vague generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "very alarming" excessively, as it can dilute the impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a high level of concern, and consider using more nuanced language to describe less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very alarming" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a high degree of concern or warning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples show it describing situations, findings, and reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very alarming" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express a significant level of concern or worry. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently used in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, its impact can be heightened by providing specific details about the cause for alarm. When writing, consider alternatives such as "deeply concerning" or "extremely worrying" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact, reserving it for situations that truly warrant a strong expression of concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious cause for alarm

Rephrases the original phrase to emphasize the seriousness of the situation, specifying it as a reason for alarm.

deeply concerning

Replaces "alarming" with "concerning" and "very" with "deeply" for a slightly more formal tone.

highly disturbing

Substitutes "alarming" with "disturbing" and "very" with "highly", emphasizing the unsettling nature of the situation.

extremely worrying

Replaces "alarming" with "worrying" and "very" with "extremely", highlighting the cause for anxiety.

cause for great concern

Offers a more formal and descriptive way of expressing alarm, focusing on the level of concern.

raises serious red flags

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate significant cause for alarm, implying potential danger or problems.

a grave matter

Indicates that the situation is serious and requires careful attention, suggesting a level of alarm.

unsettling development

Focuses on the development itself being alarming, using "unsettling" to convey a sense of unease and concern.

of significant concern

Similar to "cause for great concern", but slightly less emphatic.

portentous situation

Implies that the situation is a sign of future bad events; more dramatic and suggestive.

FAQs

How can I use "very alarming" in a sentence?

You can use "very alarming" to describe situations, news, or findings that cause significant worry or concern. For instance, "The increase in cyber attacks is "very alarming"."

What can I say instead of "very alarming"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply concerning", "highly disturbing", or "extremely worrying" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "very alarming" and "slightly alarming"?

Yes, "very alarming" indicates a high degree of concern, while "slightly alarming" suggests a mild level of worry. The choice depends on the severity of the situation you are describing.

Is "very alarming" suitable for formal writing?

While "very alarming" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "cause for great concern" or "of significant concern" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.