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Prepositions after adjectives

“Alarmed at” vs. “alarmed about”

Both alarmed at and alarmed about are correct, but they focus on slightly different ideas.

Quick answer

Both forms are correct

Use alarmed at for an immediate reaction to something surprising or shocking. Use alarmed about for concern regarding a situation or possible problem.

She was alarmed at the sudden noise.
Parents are alarmed about rising costs.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
alarmed at + event

Reacting to something immediate

At often refers to a direct cause or stimulus.

We were alarmed at the smoke.
2
alarmed about + issue

Worrying about a situation

About often refers to broader concern or anxiety.

Doctors are alarmed about the increase in cases.
3
alarmed by + action

Alternative wording for the cause

By is also common when something causes alarm.

Residents were alarmed by the explosion.
4
alarmed for + person

Feeling concern for someone

For is used when you worry about another person.

She was alarmed for her children.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
alarmed at
He was alarmed at the message.
immediate reaction to something
alarmed about
They are alarmed about pollution.
ongoing concern about an issue
alarmed by
We were alarmed by the warning.
caused to feel alarm
alarmed for
I am alarmed for his safety.
worried about someone

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “at” for broad concerns

About sounds more natural for ongoing issues.

✕ They are alarmed at climate change. ✓ They are alarmed about climate change.

Using “about” for sudden stimuli

At is often better for immediate reactions.

✕ She was alarmed about the loud bang. ✓ She was alarmed at the loud bang.

Confusing “for” and “about”

For focuses on concern for a person.

✕ I am alarmed about my son. ✓ I am alarmed for my son.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Residents were alarmed ___ the fire.
2. Experts are alarmed ___ the decline in water quality.
3. She felt alarmed ___ her brother's safety.

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Frequently asked questions

Are both “alarmed at” and “alarmed about” correct?

Yes. They are both standard but used in slightly different contexts.

Which is more immediate: “alarmed at” or “alarmed about”?

Alarmed at usually sounds more immediate and reactive.

Can I use “alarmed by”?

Yes. It is common when something directly causes alarm.

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