with alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

"with alarm" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something or someone has caused you to be especially worried or concerned about a particular situation. For example: The scientists looked at each other with alarm after seeing the size of the hurricane on the radar.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Blogs were churning with alarm.

The New York Times

But she viewed his proximity with alarm.

The New York Times

We viewed the situation with alarm.

Independent

The host greeted Carl with alarm.

The New Yorker

The wine-waiter's eyes flickered with alarm".

The Economist

Some are even fitted with alarm clocks.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the cable was received with alarm.

The Guardian

The older brother whistled with alarm.

The New Yorker

His daughter looked at him with alarm.

The New Yorker

Some abortion rights advocates reacted with alarm.

The New York Times

At Hewlett-Packard, though, the story was met with alarm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with alarm" to convey a sense of heightened concern or fear, especially in formal writing or when describing reactions to serious situations.

Common error

Avoid using "with alarm" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more natural alternatives like "worried" or "concerned" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with alarm" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a situation is perceived. Ludwig examples showcase this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with alarm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a sense of heightened concern, fear, or apprehension, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it serves to emphasize a negative emotional response to a situation or event. While deemed appropriate for formal and neutral registers, caution should be exercised in informal settings where it may sound overly dramatic. Several alternatives, such as "with concern" or "with apprehension", can be employed to convey similar sentiments with subtle differences in intensity. Remember to consider the context and target audience to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in alarm

Uses a different preposition but retains a similar meaning.

with fear

Directly expresses the emotion of fear; similar in intensity to "with alarm".

with concern

Expresses worry or interest; less intense than "with alarm".

with apprehension

Implies anxiety or fear about the future; similar in intensity to "with alarm".

with anxiety

Focuses specifically on the feeling of anxiousness; similar in emotional tone.

with worry

A general expression of unease or anxiety; less formal than "with alarm".

with unease

Implies a subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety; a weaker form of alarm.

with trepidation

Suggests a more heightened state of fear or anxiety than "with alarm".

with dread

Indicates intense aversion or reluctance; a stronger emotion than alarm.

with dismay

Highlights disappointment and distress; shifts focus from fear to discouragement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "with alarm" is typically used to describe how someone perceives or reacts to something. For example: "The public viewed the rising crime rates "with alarm"."

What are some alternatives to saying "with alarm"?

You can use alternatives such as "with concern", "with apprehension", or "with worry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "with alarm" or "in alarm"?

Both "with alarm" and "in alarm" are grammatically correct, but "with alarm" is generally more common and versatile in expressing the observation of a concerning situation. "In alarm" often describes a state of being.

What does it mean to react "with alarm"?

To react "with alarm" means to respond to something with a sense of fear, worry, or concern. It indicates that the situation is perceived as dangerous or threatening.