a cautionary tome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cautionary tome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a book that serves as a warning or provides advice about potential dangers or pitfalls. Example: "The author has written a cautionary tome about the risks of unchecked technological advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ms. Cheever's new book, "Desire: Where Sex Meets Addiction," is a cautionary tome about what she calls sex addiction, but which musical comedy aficionados would merely consider a satisfying first act.

The New York Times

A cautionary tome probes the cost of black box algorithms.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is a cautionary tale.

The New York Times

America provides a cautionary tale.

The Economist

Here is a cautionary tale.

The New York Times - Books

It is a cautionary tale.

The Economist

More than a town — a cautionary tale.

The New York Times

Englewood offers a cautionary tale.

The New York Times

But consider a cautionary tale.

The New York Times - Magazine

His was a cautionary tale.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Ignorance" is a cautionary tale.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cautionary tome" when you want to emphasize the serious and book-length nature of a warning or piece of advice. It implies a thorough and detailed exploration of potential dangers.

Common error

Avoid using "a cautionary tome" in informal contexts or when a simpler phrase like "a warning" or "a cautionary tale" would suffice. The formality of "tome" can feel out of place in casual writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cautionary tome" functions as a noun phrase, where "cautionary" serves as a pre-modifying adjective describing the type of "tome". The word "tome" acts as the head noun. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cautionary tome" is a noun phrase used to describe a book that serves as a warning. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English. Its formality makes it suitable for academic or professional contexts and is rare due to the connotation of "tome". Related phrases include "a warning narrative" or "a cautionary tale", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Using "a cautionary tome" appropriately can add depth and formality to your writing, while avoiding it in casual contexts ensures your tone remains suitable for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a warning narrative

Replaces "tome" with "narrative" to emphasize the storytelling aspect of the warning.

a cautionary volume

Substitutes "tome" with "volume", keeping the focus on a substantial book.

a warning treatise

Uses "treatise" instead of "tome" to suggest a more formal and academic warning.

a cautionary discourse

Replaces "tome" with "discourse" to emphasize the detailed examination of a topic.

a cautionary study

Uses "study" to highlight the analytical nature of the warning.

a warning account

Replaces tome with account, focusing on factual retelling.

a cautionary guide

Changes "tome" to "guide", suggesting a practical set of instructions for avoiding danger.

a warning lesson

Substitutes "tome" with "lesson" to focus on the instructive aspect of the warning.

a cautionary tale

Replaces "tome" with "tale", emphasizing the narrative and possibly fictional aspect of the warning.

a cautionary document

Changes "tome" to "document", focusing on the written form of the warning.

FAQs

What does "a cautionary tome" mean?

The phrase "a cautionary tome" refers to a book that serves as a warning, offering detailed advice about potential dangers or negative consequences. It implies a substantial and serious treatment of the subject.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a cautionary tome"?

Use "a cautionary tome" in formal writing when you want to describe a book that provides a thorough and serious warning. It's suitable for academic papers, formal reports, or literary reviews where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "a cautionary tome"?

Alternatives include "a warning narrative", "a cautionary tale", or "a warning treatise", depending on whether you want to emphasize the storytelling aspect, the cautionary nature, or the formal treatment of the subject.

How is "a cautionary tome" different from "a cautionary tale"?

"A cautionary tome" implies a more substantial and formal work, specifically a book. "A cautionary tale" can be a shorter narrative or anecdote, and it doesn't necessarily have to be written down in a book.