a blunt warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blunt warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey a straightforward and direct caution or piece of advice without any sugarcoating. Example: "The manager issued a blunt warning to the team about the consequences of missing deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hama" became a byword for the regime's ruthlessness and a blunt warning to potential opponents.

The New Yorker

An officer was parked in a police car in front of the building, a blunt warning to unwelcome visitors.

The New York Times

America's deficitAlan Greenspan abandoned his characteristic style of indecipherable comment to give a blunt warning about America's current-account deficit.

The Economist

BINGHAM, Me. — The orange signs posted throughout Chet Hibbard's pharmacy here relay a blunt warning: We Do Not Stock OxyContin.

The New York Times

Lord Oakeshott, an irritant to the leadership and an adviser to the business secretary, Vince Cable, issued a blunt warning.

The Guardian

Earlier yesterday Interpol issued a blunt warning that "violent attacks on innocent people would follow" if the stunt went ahead.

The Guardian

Two years ago when he took over, he invited the city's biggest developers to a meeting and gave them a blunt warning.

The New York Times

The exterior is in Sydney and the interior is in Melbourne".A confidential state government report last year delivered a blunt warning about this legacy.

The Economist

It is a blunt warning from the health department to the many visitors and soccer fans who will soon be arriving in Salvador.

The Guardian

Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, has issued a blunt warning that the leaders of capitalism must help build a fairer society.

The Guardian - Business

Gordon Brown hailed the agreement as he issued a blunt warning to individuals and corporations that invest in renegade tax havens that their money will be unsafe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a blunt warning" when you want to be direct and avoid ambiguity. This phrase is best suited for situations where clarity is more important than diplomacy.

Common error

Avoid using "a blunt warning" in situations that require a delicate approach or where maintaining positive relationships is crucial. A more tactful approach may be necessary to avoid causing offense or damaging rapport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blunt warning" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb like issue, give, or deliver. It describes the act of providing a direct and unambiguous caution or piece of advice, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blunt warning" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that conveys a direct and unambiguous caution. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While it's a powerful tool for clear communication, it should be used judiciously in sensitive situations where a more delicate approach is warranted. Alternative phrases such as "a direct caution" or "a stark warning" can be used depending on the desired tone and emphasis. The phrase's strength lies in its clarity and forcefulness, making it suitable for situations where immediate attention and action are crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stark warning

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the warning.

an unmistakable warning

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the delivered warning.

a direct caution

Replaces "warning" with "caution", softening the tone slightly while maintaining directness.

a severe warning

Emphasizes the high severity of the warning.

a plainspoken warning

Focuses on the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the warning.

an explicit caution

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the warning.

a severe caution

Indicates the intensity of consequences involved with the situation about which are warning.

a harsh warning

Emphasizes the unpleasant, potentially offensive character of the warning.

a forthright admonition

Uses more formal language, implying a serious and authoritative warning.

a candid heads-up

Replaces "warning" with a more informal term, "heads-up", suggesting a friendly but honest caution.

FAQs

How to use "a blunt warning" in a sentence?

You can use "a blunt warning" to introduce a direct and unambiguous caution, such as, "The doctor issued "a blunt warning" about the risks of smoking".

What can I say instead of "a blunt warning"?

You can use alternatives like "a direct caution", "a stark warning", or "an explicit caution" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a blunt warning"?

It's appropriate to use "a blunt warning" when you need to be straightforward and clear, especially in situations where the consequences of ignoring the warning are serious or immediate.

What is the difference between "a blunt warning" and "a gentle reminder"?

"A blunt warning" conveys a serious and direct caution, while "a gentle reminder" is a more subtle and less forceful way of calling something to someone's attention. The former implies potential negative consequences if ignored, while the latter is more about prompting action without emphasizing risks.