be on alert

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the bank is expected to stand pat next week, policymakers will be on alert for signs that higher energy costs are leading to bigger wage demands and increased prices for other goods and services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

"There is the side to social media that is really harmful and really scary, and you have to be on alert all the time," she told BBC News.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Anyone playing in the already-volatile small-cap arena should be on alert to avoid getting burned.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

Dog owners may need to be on alert for a disease many have never heard of — anaplasmosis, spread by the same tick that transmits Lyme disease.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

Whether or not a human knew what they were, an instinct inside them knew to be on alert, to be just a little afraid.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny