set an alarm

Meaning

This collocation means to program a clock, phone, or other device to ring or make a sound at a specific time in order to wake you up or remind you of something. It is the standard way to describe this action.

Examples

• I need to set an alarm for 6:00 AM so I don't miss my flight.

  I need to set an alarm for 6:00 AM so I don't miss my flight.

• Did you remember to set your alarm last night?

  Did you remember to set your alarm last night?

• I usually set an alarm on my phone, but sometimes I sleep right through it.

  I usually set an alarm on my phone, but sometimes I sleep right through it.

• She set an alarm for thirty minutes to remind herself to check the oven.

  She set an alarm for thirty minutes to remind herself to check the oven.

• I hate setting an alarm on weekends; I prefer to wake up naturally.

  I hate setting an alarm on weekends; I prefer to wake up naturally.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to open an alarm for tomorrow morning.

  ✓ I need to set an alarm for tomorrow morning.

  Many languages use a verb meaning 'to open' or 'to turn on' for alarms, but in English, the correct verb is 'set.'

• ✗ Don't forget to make your alarm.

  ✓ Don't forget to set your alarm.

  'Make' is incorrect here. 'Set' refers to configuring the time on the device.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I have an early meeting tomorrow, so I'd better ___.

  💡 program a wake-up clock

  Show answer

  set an alarm

• If you don't ___, you might sleep past your train.

  💡 prepare a wake-up notification

  Show answer

  set an alarm