a clear warning to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear warning to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something serves as an explicit caution or alert to someone about a potential danger or issue. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was a clear warning to the hikers that a storm was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The murder of a popular singer from a famous and well-loved musical dynasty was a clear warning to others trying to celebrate and preserve Pakistan's indigenous traditions, warned human rights activist Ali Dayan Hasan.

The Guardian

It was a clear warning to the "deviated current".

The New Yorker

That should be a clear warning to Mr. Mubarak that his time has passed.

The New York Times

This was a clear warning to those serving in government to keep their heads down.

The Washington Post

Mr. Kennedy shot a clear warning to Peking that the United States would carry out its "commitments" in Asia.

The New York Times

This resolution should also send a clear warning to Iraq that the Council will not tolerate new violations.

The New York Times

It was a blow to Japan's crusty political establishment and a clear warning to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

The New York Times

"Our supercomplaint and actions taken by the authorities should serve as a clear warning to all retailers.

The Guardian - Business

The ruling is a clear warning to other states that they, too, are barred from writing their own immigration laws, including imposing state punishments on the undocumented.

The New York Times

That is a clear warning to investors in Suez, whose pursuit of an ambitious merger has landed them in bed with the government.

The Economist

Over all, the results are a clear warning to New York that both the public programs and private providers of long-term care have to make substantial improvements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear warning to", ensure that the recipient of the warning and the potential consequence are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear warning to" in overly casual settings. While versatile, it carries a degree of seriousness that might be out of place in informal conversations; consider lighter alternatives in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear warning to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a cautionary message directed at a specific entity. It serves to explicitly highlight a potential negative consequence or risk. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear warning to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey an explicit caution or alert, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to dissuade undesirable actions by clearly stating negative consequences. While versatile, it's important to match the level of formality to the context, avoiding its use in overly casual settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the recipient and potential consequences are explicitly identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an explicit caution to

Replaces "clear warning" with "explicit caution", emphasizing directness in the warning.

a strong caution for

Replaces "clear warning" with "strong caution", emphasizing the strength of the cautionary message.

a definitive notice to

Replaces "clear warning" with "definitive notice", highlighting the official or formal nature of the alert.

an unmistakable sign for

Replaces "clear warning" with "unmistakable sign", emphasizing the obviousness and unavoidability of the signal.

a stern admonition to

Replaces "clear warning" with "stern admonition", heightening the severity of the caution.

a distinct heads-up for

Substitutes "clear warning" with a more informal "distinct heads-up", suitable for casual contexts.

a potent signal to

Changes "clear warning" to "potent signal", focusing on the strength and visibility of the cautionary indication.

a significant red flag for

Substitutes "clear warning" with "significant red flag", using a metaphor to indicate danger or concern.

a telling indicator to

Changes "clear warning" to "telling indicator", which is more subtle, highlighting the information conveyed.

a harbinger for

Replaces "clear warning" with "harbinger", suggesting something that foreshadows a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear warning to" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear warning to" to indicate that something should serve as an explicit caution or alert. For example: "The company's declining profits were "a clear warning to" management that changes were needed."

What phrases are similar to "a clear warning to"?

Similar phrases include "an explicit caution to", "a distinct heads-up for", or "a stern admonition to". The best alternative depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "a clear warning for" grammatically correct instead of "a clear warning to"?

While "a clear warning to" is the standard and more widely accepted form, "a clear warning for" can be grammatically correct in specific contexts where 'for' indicates a purpose or reason. However, "to" is generally preferred when indicating the recipient of the warning.

What's the difference between "a clear warning to" and "an implicit warning to"?

"A clear warning to" signifies an explicit and easily understandable caution, while "an implicit warning to" suggests a more subtle or indirect caution that requires interpretation.