Consider yourself warned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Consider yourself warned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inform someone that they should be cautious or aware of a potential consequence or danger. Example: "If you continue to ignore the rules, consider yourself warned about the possible penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider yourself warned.

The New York Times

Consider yourself warned against any such absolutist diet.

The New York Times - Books

Consider yourself warned, then: the New Year's Eve party at Pacha isn't designed for lightweights.

The New York Times - Arts

Consider yourself warned: This column is going straight into the toilet.

The Washington Post

Consider yourself warned: this double-CD set, recorded in front of a small audience, aims to discourage all but the most avid listeners.

The New York Times - Arts

Consider yourself warned: White sangria, flavored with pears, cardamom and rosemary, goes down all too easily on a hot summer day.

The Washington Post

Consider yourself warned, liars.

TechCrunch

Consider yourself warned, Mr McQuaid.

BBC

Consider yourself warned you RBFers.

Huffington Post

Consider yourself warned: shopping at Aesop is an expensive habit.

Huffington Post

Consider yourself warned: The show's season finale, slated to air Thursday, might leave you feeling a little sentimental.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Consider yourself warned" to clearly and directly alert someone to a potential negative consequence or danger.

Common error

Avoid using "Consider yourself warned" in contexts that require a gentle or supportive tone. It's best suited for situations where a clear warning is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Consider yourself warned" functions as an illocutionary act of warning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Examples show it is used to alert someone to potential negative consequences if they continue a certain behavior or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Consider yourself warned" is a commonly used phrase that directly alerts someone to potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase functions as a clear warning. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid misinterpreting the intended tone. Alternatives such as "be forewarned" or "you have been cautioned" can be employed to vary the level of formality. Understanding its implications allows for its effective and appropriate use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be forewarned

More formal and direct; emphasizes the advance notice of potential danger.

Let this be a warning

Emphasizes the current situation as an example of what might happen.

You have been cautioned

More formal and implies an official warning.

Take heed

An older, more literary way of saying pay attention and be careful.

You've been given notice

Implies a formal or official notification of something.

Bear this in mind

Suggests remembering something important, often a potential problem.

Mark my words

Emphasizes the speaker's certainty about a future event, often negative.

Mind you

A more casual way of introducing a caveat or warning.

Heads up

Informal and brief way of alerting someone to a potential issue.

Be careful

A general caution to avoid danger or mistakes.

FAQs

How can I use "Consider yourself warned" in a sentence?

Use "Consider yourself warned" to directly notify someone of potential negative consequences. For example, "If you continue to ignore the safety protocols, "consider yourself warned"."

What are some alternatives to "Consider yourself warned"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be forewarned", "you have been cautioned", or "let this be a warning", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "Consider yourself warned" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "Consider yourself warned" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. In highly formal writing, alternatives like "you have been cautioned" might be more suitable.

When should I avoid using "Consider yourself warned"?

Avoid using "Consider yourself warned" in situations that require a gentle approach or where the warning is implied. It's best used when a direct and clear warning is necessary.