Italian Phrase
Metti sempre l'allarme.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command telling someone to always set the alarm. It can be used as a reminder for a roommate, a child, or a colleague to make sure the alarm is on before going to bed or before an important event.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to stress the habit of setting an alarm, especially in situations where punctuality is important, such as before a work shift, an exam, or a long trip.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mettisemprel'allarme.
Imperative Mood
‘Metti’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘mettere’ (to put, to set).
Adverb Placement
Adverbs like ‘sempre’ (always) are placed directly after the verb in simple imperatives.
Elision
The article ‘la’ elides before a vowel, becoming ‘l’’, so ‘l’allarme’ means ‘the alarm’.
🗨In Conversation
Metti sempre l'allarme, altrimenti rischi di arrivare tardi.
Always set the alarm, otherwise you risk being late.
Hai ragione, lo farò subito.
You're right, I'll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei sempre l'allarme.
Do not use ‘sei’ (you are) here; the correct form is the imperative ‘Metti’.
Metti sempre l'sveglia.
If you want to refer to a personal alarm clock, ‘la sveglia’ is more natural.
↔Alternatives
Imposta sempre la sveglia.
Always set the alarm clock.
Ricordati di mettere sempre l'allarme.
Remember to always set the alarm.
Non dimenticare mai di attivare l'allarme.
Never forget to activate the alarm.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, punctuality is especially valued in professional settings, so reminding someone to set an alarm is a common way to show care. The word ‘allarme’ can refer to a phone alarm, a bedside clock, or even a security alarm, so context matters. In informal speech, Italians often use ‘sveglia’ for a personal alarm clock, while ‘allarme’ sounds a bit more formal or technical.