a cautionary note

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cautionary note" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a warning or reminder about a potential danger or risk associated with the topic being discussed. It is often used in formal or professional writing, such as reports, presentations, or academic papers. Example: Before we proceed with the project, it is important to consider a cautionary note about the potential financial risks involved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dommenget, D. & Latif, M. A cautionary note on the interpretation of EOFs.

Nature

But he also struck a cautionary note.

The New York Times

But Mr. Christiansen sounded a cautionary note.

The New York Times

We conclude on a cautionary note.

Harvard Business Review

They also add a cautionary note.

The Washington Post

He was expressing a cautionary note.

The New York Times

But he also sounds a cautionary note.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mayo sounds a cautionary note, however.

The Guardian

But experts on starting a business strike a cautionary note.

The New York Times

Mr. Sen sounded something of a cautionary note.

The New York Times

Like other experts, he added a cautionary note.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cautionary note" to introduce potential risks or downsides, ensuring readers are fully informed before making decisions or taking action.

Common error

Avoid using "a cautionary note" excessively, as it can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language by employing synonyms or more direct warnings where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cautionary note" functions as an introductory element signaling a warning, reservation, or potential risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and frequent in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cautionary note" is a phrase used to introduce a warning or highlight potential risks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. It is most prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When writing, use it to signal potential downsides but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider synonyms like "a note of caution" or "a word of warning" for variety. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "a cautionary note" to enhance the clarity and comprehensiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A note of caution

This alternative uses different nouns but maintains a similar level of formality.

A word of warning

This alternative is more direct and forceful.

A warning sign

This alternative implies a more visible or obvious indication of danger.

A caveat

This alternative is more formal and often used in legal or technical contexts.

A red flag

This is a more figurative and immediate signal of a problem.

Something to be aware of

This alternative is less formal and emphasizes awareness rather than caution.

A potential pitfall

This alternative specifically refers to a hidden danger or difficulty.

Bear in mind

This alternative is an idiomatic phrase emphasizing the need to remember something important.

It is important to remember

This alternative is a more explicit and straightforward way of introducing a reminder.

Let's not forget

This alternative uses a more conversational tone to introduce a point that should not be overlooked.

FAQs

How can I use "a cautionary note" in a sentence?

You can use "a cautionary note" to introduce a warning or to highlight a potential problem or risk. For instance: "A cautionary note: excessive use of this feature may lead to system instability."

What are some synonyms for "a cautionary note"?

Some alternatives to "a cautionary note" include "a note of caution", "a word of warning", or "a caveat".

Is it always necessary to include "a cautionary note"?

No, you should only use "a cautionary note" when there is a genuine risk or potential negative consequence that readers should be aware of. Overusing it can diminish its effectiveness.

What's the difference between "a cautionary note" and "a warning sign"?

"A cautionary note" is a verbal or written warning, while "a warning sign" is a visual indicator of danger. The first is more general, the latter is more specific.