What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fright
Example
The loud noise gave me such a fright. [fright: noun]
Example
She was frightened by the sudden appearance of the spider. [frightened: verb]
alarm
Example
The sound of the fire alarm caused everyone to evacuate the building. [alarm: noun]
Example
I was alarmed by the news of the approaching storm. [alarmed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alarm is more commonly used than fright in everyday language. Alarm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fright is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fright and alarm?
Both fright and alarm can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but alarm may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with warning signals and emergency situations.