Be forewarned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be forewarned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to alert someone about a potential danger or issue they should be aware of before proceeding. Example: "Be forewarned, the weather conditions may worsen as the day progresses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Be forewarned, however.

The New York Times - Health

Be forewarned, then.

The New York Times

"Be forewarned," Ms. Bilanko said.

The New York Times

Be forewarned, in other words.

The New York Times

Be forewarned: desserts are huge.

The New York Times - Travel

Be forewarned: "Animals" contains nudity, a lot of it.

The New York Times

Be forewarned that those instructions are baffling, however.

The New York Times

Be forewarned, though: the band's shows are notoriously loud.

The New Yorker

Be forewarned, we're about to get technical.

Forbes

Be forewarned: You could get caught in a short squeeze.

Forbes

Be forewarned, this is a rather complex project.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Be forewarned" to preface information about potential negative consequences or challenges. It sets a tone of caution and encourages the audience to prepare accordingly.

Common error

While "Be forewarned" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "Heads up" or "Just so you know" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be forewarned" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the listener or reader to take note of an impending situation or potential difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates it is a standard English expression. The examples provided demonstrate its role in setting expectations and providing cautionary information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Be forewarned" is a useful phrase for alerting others to potential problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently employed in news media and how-to guides to preface information about possible negative outcomes. While adaptable to various communication styles, it's best to adjust the level of formality based on the situation. For example, consider using alternatives such as "take heed" or "fair warning". While "Be forewarned" is generally acceptable, it's important to use it judiciously, especially in informal communication; for casual settings, consider using phrases like "heads up" or "just so you know".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take heed

Emphasizes paying attention to a warning, suggesting careful consideration.

Consider yourself warned

Directly states that a warning is being given, often implying consequences.

Fair warning

Indicates a just and timely warning is being given.

Let the buyer beware

Specific to transactions, indicating risk falls on the purchaser.

Be mindful

Implies a need for attentiveness and awareness of potential issues.

Bear in mind

Suggests keeping something in mind, often a potential problem or difficulty.

A word to the wise

Suggests that prudent individuals should take note of the following advice.

Please note

A more formal way to bring attention to something important.

Mark my words

Emphasizes the speaker's conviction and the certainty of future events.

You've been told

Highlights that information has already been conveyed, implying responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "Be forewarned" in a sentence?

Use "Be forewarned" to introduce a cautionary statement. For example, "Be forewarned, this software requires a high-performance computer" or "Consider yourself warned, the path ahead is steep and challenging".

What's a less formal alternative to "Be forewarned"?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "heads up", "just so you know", or "FYI" to convey a similar warning or notice.

Is it appropriate to use "Be forewarned" in business communication?

Yes, "Be forewarned" can be used in business communication when delivering important but potentially unwelcome news. However, consider your audience and the overall tone; sometimes a more neutral phrase like "please note" might be preferable.

What is the difference between "Be forewarned" and "Be warned"?

"Be forewarned" implies a warning given in advance, preparing someone for something that might happen. "Be warned" is a more general warning that can apply to present or future situations. The first one sounds less menacing than the second one.