What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alarm
Example
The fire alarm went off, and we had to evacuate the building. [alarm: noun]
Example
I felt a sense of alarm when I heard the news about the storm. [alarm: noun]
Example
She set her phone alarm to wake up early for work. [alarm: noun]
signal
Example
The traffic light turned green, signaling us to proceed. [signal: verb]
Example
The dark clouds were a signal of an approaching storm. [signal: noun]
Example
The radio tower sends out signals to communicate with other stations. [signal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Signal is more commonly used than alarm in everyday language. Signal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while alarm is less common and refers to specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alarm and signal?
Both alarm and signal can be used in formal and informal contexts, but signal is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
