What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alert
Example
The weather service issued an alert for a severe thunderstorm in the area. [alert: noun]
Example
She remained alert and vigilant while walking through the dark alley. [alert: adjective]
Example
The phone beeped with an alert when a new message arrived. [alert: noun]
alarm
Example
The smoke alarm went off, alerting us to the fire in the kitchen. [alarm: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of alarm when she saw the dark clouds approaching. [alarm: noun]
Example
The security system has an alarm that goes off if someone tries to break in. [alarm: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alarm is more commonly used than alert in everyday language, particularly in emergency situations. Alert is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as weather alerts or system notifications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alert and alarm?
While alert can be used in both formal and informal contexts, alarm is typically associated with more urgent or serious situations and is therefore more commonly used in formal or emergency contexts.
