a dire warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dire warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a serious or urgent caution about a potential danger or negative outcome. Example: "The scientist issued a dire warning about the effects of climate change on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it also contains a dire warning.

The Guardian

It is a dire warning that Tehran could one day find itself isolated from its markets.

Independent

Each day, another senior Bush administration official has come forward with a dire warning.

The New York Times

So is this book a bit of unfinished business, a dire warning on global warming?

The New York Times

For his part, Mr. McCain gave a dire warning about the risks that the fighting will spread.

The New York Times

But it's hard not to view "The Fantastic Flying Books" as a dire warning against the fetishization of books.

The New Yorker

The measure seemed to be on the verge of failing until a longtime party leader issued a dire warning.

The New York Times

A dire warning fills the phone's screen: "You can change screen layout with pressing camera key at any time.

The New York Times - Tech

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development issued a dire warning about the ongoing crisis in the euro zone..

The New Yorker

Soon after the Federal Reserve's latest report was released, the International Monetary Fund issued a dire warning.

The New Yorker

But there is a dire warning when Nielsen looked at how much time users spent on the site.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dire warning", ensure the context clearly establishes the potential negative consequences and the urgency of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "dire" too frequently in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "grave", "serious", or "critical" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dire warning" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in news articles, reports, and other contexts, emphasizing the gravity of the caution being conveyed. It adds emphasis to a forthcoming negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dire warning" is a phrase used to express a serious and urgent caution about a potential danger or negative outcome. As Ludwig examples show, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While "dire" effectively conveys severity, consider using synonyms like "grave", "serious", or "critical" to avoid repetition. The phrase serves to alert and prompt action, and its use is generally appropriate in formal and neutral registers. The high frequency and authoritative sources confirm its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dreadful warning

Replaces "dire" with "dreadful", emphasizing the fear and apprehension associated with the warning.

a terrible warning

Substitutes "dire" with "terrible", highlighting the severity and unpleasantness of the warning.

a grave warning

Uses "grave" instead of "dire", indicating the serious and solemn nature of the warning.

a serious warning

Replaces "dire" with "serious", focusing on the importance and potential consequences of the warning.

an ominous warning

Substitutes "dire" with "ominous", suggesting that the warning hints at future misfortune or negative events.

a critical warning

Uses "critical" instead of "dire", emphasizing the urgent and crucial nature of the warning.

an urgent warning

Replaces "dire" with "urgent", stressing the need for immediate attention and action.

a stark warning

Substitutes "dire" with "stark", highlighting the blunt and unadorned nature of the warning.

a severe warning

Uses "severe" instead of "dire", indicating the intensity and potential harshness of the consequences.

a cautionary alert

Replaces "dire warning" with "cautionary alert", offering a more neutral and less alarming tone.

FAQs

What does "a dire warning" mean?

The phrase "a dire warning" indicates a very serious or urgent warning, typically about something dangerous or unpleasant that is likely to happen.

How can I use "a dire warning" in a sentence?

You can use "a dire warning" to emphasize the seriousness of a situation. For example, "The doctor issued "a dire warning" about the dangers of smoking."

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

You can use alternatives like "a serious warning", "a grave warning", or "a terrible warning" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a dire warning" in formal writing?

Yes, "a dire warning" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to emphasize the severity and urgency of a warning. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.