I warned that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I warned that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you previously gave a caution or alert about a specific situation or outcome. Example: "I warned that the storm could cause significant damage to the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Two months ago I warned that Somalia's fragile food security situation was likely to worsen in the coming months.

Unicef

"Last year I warned that we risk a decade of destitution.

The Guardian

"Two years ago I warned that we were in danger of sleepwalking into a surveillance society.

MIT Technology Review

Nowhere was I warned that I may need a special code (lasting just 72 hours) from the DVLA.

The Guardian - Money

About a week ago, I warned that the politics of Ebola could turn into a nightmare.

The New Yorker

As far back as February I warned that he was becoming more predictable and less credible in his rhetoric.

The Washington Post

When the Fed began its talk of "tapering" asset purchases, I warned that it might turn out to be a "historic mistake".

The New York Times

In New York City back in May, I warned that if we don't take action soon, the markets will do it for us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I warn that his quality of life will be significantly impaired by chemotherapy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Robertson laughs when I warn that I'll be shouting out Jimmy Gordon's quote to divert him at match point.

The Guardian - Sport

I warn that I did not consider microscopic ones.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I warned that" to clearly indicate you previously cautioned about a specific, often negative, outcome. This emphasizes your foresight and the potential consequences that followed.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I warned that" to simply highlight your own predictions without providing valuable context or solutions. This can come across as arrogant and detract from your message. Instead, focus on the implications and lessons learned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I warned that" serves as a declarative statement to indicate that the speaker previously issued a caution or prediction about a specific situation or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I warned that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used declarative statement to indicate a previously issued caution or prediction. It's versatile enough for neutral, professional, and formal contexts, with prevalent usage in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, while effective, it's crucial to avoid overuse to maintain credibility and avoid sounding self-important. Related phrases like "I cautioned that" and "I predicted that" offer nuanced alternatives, and understanding these can elevate your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cautioned that

Similar in meaning, but carries a slightly more formal tone than "warned".

I had cautioned

Past perfect tense adds emphasis that the warning occurred before a specific event.

I alerted to the fact that

Highlights bringing something to someone's attention, especially potential danger or a problem.

I advised that

Implies a recommendation or guidance, which may include a warning about potential risks.

I predicted that

Focuses more on foretelling the future, lacking the element of potential negative consequences inherent in "warned".

I foresaw that

Implies insight and anticipation of an event, often used when referring to future consequences.

I anticipated that

Suggests a preparation or expectation, which may or may not include a warning.

I signaled that

A more subtle form of warning, indicating a potential issue or problem.

I had indicated that

Less direct than "I warned", implying a more subtle hint or suggestion.

I pointed out that

Focuses on highlighting a specific fact or detail, which may serve as a warning.

FAQs

How can I use "I warned that" in a sentence?

Use "I warned that" to introduce a statement you made previously about a potential negative outcome. For example, "I warned that the stock market continued to face challenges, and now we see a downturn."

What are some alternatives to "I warned that"?

Alternatives include "I cautioned that", "I predicted that", or "I alerted to the fact that", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "I had warned that" instead of "I warned that"?

Yes, "I had warned that" is grammatically correct and uses the past perfect tense. It emphasizes that the warning occurred before a specific event in the past. For instance, "I had warned that the consequences would be severe, but no one listened."

What's the difference between "I warned that" and "I advised that"?

"I warned that" emphasizes a potential negative consequence, whereas "I advised that" suggests a recommendation or guidance, which may or may not involve a warning. "I advised that they invest in bonds, while "I warned that the stock market was risky"."