I forewarned you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I forewarned you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you previously warned someone about a potential issue or consequence. Example: "I forewarned you about the risks involved in this project, but you chose to proceed anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I am forewarning you that this is the most addictive game I have come across since GTA San Andreas.

The Guardian - Sport

I will forewarn you that having an excess of possessions, doesn't lead to happiness.

Huffington Post

And maybe I should forewarn you, especially all of you intellectually superior media types- if Larry David's walk runs for President, it will walk away with the Oval.

Huffington Post

In the above clip you can watch her sing through portions of "Dulcinea" and "Aldonza" from "Man of La Mancha"; earlier in the video she also performs selections from "I Don't Need Anything But You," "The Ladies Who Lunch" and "On My Own," though be forewarned you'll encounter a naughty word or two.

The New York Times

However, be forewarned: you must have a skit prepared.

The New York Times

I'm not sure if any of you have had a chance to buy the book and crack it open, but if not be forewarned: you are about to find yourself in a deluge.

The New Yorker

Still, be forewarned: you're in the city that never sleeps and whose major tourist sights always have lines.

The New York Times - Arts

So, if you're looking for women on Chatroulette, be forewarned: you're more likely to encounter an empty chair.

TechCrunch

However, if you do find yourself making that call for the latest, greatest widget, be forewarned: you will be barraged with upsell offers.

Huffington Post

It could even forewarn you that your adorable, potential neighbor's apartment doubles as a German Bass club at night.

Vice

Fortunately, I forewarned Lucinea I would be back late.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I forewarned you", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the warning was about and what potential consequences were discussed. Being specific strengthens your point and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I forewarned you" when the initial warning was minor or based on speculation. Reserve this phrase for situations where the potential negative outcome was clearly communicated and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I forewarned you" serves as a declarative statement where the speaker asserts that they previously gave a warning to the listener. The phrase implies that the listener is now experiencing the consequences of not heeding the warning. Although Ludwig provides limited examples of this specific phrase, the structure is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I forewarned you" is a grammatically correct declarative statement used to remind someone of a prior warning, often implying an 'I told you so' sentiment. While the frequency of examples available to Ludwig is low, the phrase is well-understood and acceptable in both neutral and somewhat formal contexts. It is essential to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the initial warning was clear and significant to avoid miscommunication. Although Ludwig AI finds no specific patterns, the expression can be considered acceptable and correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had warned you previously

Emphasizes that the warning was given at an earlier time.

I cautioned you earlier

Substitutes "forewarned" with "cautioned", stressing the act of advising caution.

I had already alerted you

Emphasizes the action of alerting and that it occurred in the past.

I alerted you beforehand

Replaces "forewarned" with "alerted beforehand", emphasizing the act of giving a warning in advance.

I advised you about this before

Highlights the act of giving advice concerning a specific matter.

I notified you in advance

Uses "notified" to indicate an official or formal warning was given.

I gave you advance notice

Focuses on providing prior notification, using a more formal tone.

I let you know ahead of time

Uses a more casual tone, focusing on the action of informing before something happens.

I already told you to be careful

Specifically mentions telling someone to be careful, adding a direct instruction.

You were given a prior warning by me

Passive voice emphasizing that the warning was received.

FAQs

What does "I forewarned you" mean?

The phrase "I forewarned you" means that the speaker previously warned the listener about a potential danger, problem, or consequence. It is used to emphasize that the listener should have been prepared for the current situation because of the prior warning.

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

You can use "I forewarned you" to remind someone of a past warning, such as, "I forewarned you about the risks involved, but you proceeded anyway." It can also be used to express frustration or disappointment when the predicted negative outcome occurs.

What can I say instead of "I forewarned you"?

You can use alternatives like "I warned you", "I cautioned you", or "I advised you depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I forewarned you" more formal than "I warned you"?

Yes, "I forewarned you" is generally considered more formal than "I warned you". The verb "forewarn" implies a more deliberate and serious warning about potential future events, while "warn" is a more general term.