What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alarms
Example
The fire alarm went off, and everyone quickly evacuated the building. [alarm: noun]
Example
I felt a sense of alarm when I heard strange noises coming from the basement. [alarm: noun]
Example
The news of the pandemic caused widespread alarm among the population. [alarm: noun]
alert
Example
The weather service issued a tornado alert for the area. [alert: noun]
Example
The security team was on high alert after receiving a bomb threat. [alert: adjective]
Example
The hiker remained alert to any signs of wildlife while walking through the forest. [alert: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alarm is more commonly used than alert in everyday language, especially in emergency situations. However, alert is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as security, health, or technology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alarms and alert?
Both alarm and alert can be used in formal and informal contexts, but alert may be more appropriate in formal settings due to its neutral connotation and versatility.
