a firm warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey a serious or strong caution about a particular issue or behavior. Example: "The manager issued a firm warning to the employees about the importance of meeting deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Marius had met him and had given him a firm warning, temporarily effective: Mithradates had proper respect for Roman power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Credit card firms were in the firing line too, with outof offering a firm warning for those who are considering charging an annual fee to cardholders once again: "The credit card companies have to tread very carefully here.

The Guardian - Business

Some analysts warned that Mr. Moussavi's supporters might take to the streets to protest on Saturday, despite a firm warning against any demonstrations by the deputy commander of the Iranian national police, Ahmadreza Radan.

The New York Times

After successive interrogations, he said he was finally given a firm warning: "If you don't speak, next time, we'll send you to a place where even dogs don't live".

The New York Times

Liam issued a firm warning that he would terminate their professional relationship if her feelings became uncontrollable.

Wikipedia

I'll updAnonymousI do.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It means the Guardian app can near-instantly spot if another app is secretly sending a device's tracking data to a tracking firm, warning the user or giving the option to stop it in its tracks.

TechCrunch

The FTSE could well see its losses intensify as the day goes on with the Bank of England set to stoke those Brexit-fearing fires later this morning with a firmer warning against leaving the EU (the central bank is also expected to unsurprisingly keep interest rates on hold).

The Guardian - Business

A number of British banks also oppose their government's position, but British officials so far have held firm, warning that the financial sector is such a large part of the national economy that the risks associated with future banking failures must be minimized.

The New York Times

Within hours I had a letter from one of the city's law firms warning that the brothers would try to have me charged with trespass if I showed up again.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, JPMorgan downgraded major securities firms, warning that although further write-offs of bad mortgage debt might help the firms' stocks, longer-term concerns about their risk management might hurt overall valuation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "a firm warning" with specific consequences if the warning is not heeded. This reinforces the seriousness of the message and motivates compliance.

Common error

Avoid undermining "a firm warning" with apologetic language or excessive justification. This can weaken the impact and signal a lack of conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm warning" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'give', 'issue', 'receive'). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, as seen in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm warning" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to convey a serious caution or reprimand. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. While not exceedingly common, it serves an important function in communicating potential risks and consequences. Alternatives like "a stern warning" or "a strong caution" can provide similar impact, tailored to specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stern warning

Replaces "firm" with "stern" to emphasize the seriousness of the warning.

a grave caution

Emphasizes the potential for serious consequences.

a strong caution

Substitutes "warning" with "caution" and "firm" with "strong", highlighting the potential danger.

a definitive caution

Implies that the caution is absolute and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

a decisive warning

Highlights the resoluteness and finality of the warning.

a resolute warning

Highlights that the warning is communicated with determination and conviction.

a serious admonition

Uses more formal vocabulary like "admonition" to increase the gravity of the warning.

a categorical warning

Indicates that the warning is unambiguous and applies without exception.

a clear reprimand

Focuses on the act of reprimanding, indicating disapproval and potential punishment.

an explicit threat

Shifts from a warning to a direct threat, indicating a higher level of danger or consequence.

FAQs

How to effectively deliver "a firm warning"?

To deliver "a firm warning" effectively, be direct, clear, and concise. Maintain a serious tone and avoid softening the message with unnecessary apologies or justifications. State the potential consequences of ignoring the warning.

What are some alternatives to saying "a firm warning"?

You can use alternatives like "a stern warning", "a strong caution", or "a serious admonition" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to issue "a firm warning"?

"A firm warning" is appropriate when addressing serious issues, potential dangers, or repeated violations of rules or expectations. It's crucial when the consequences of inaction could be significant.

What's the difference between "a firm warning" and a suggestion?

"A firm warning" conveys a sense of urgency and potential consequences if not heeded, whereas a suggestion is simply a piece of advice that can be freely accepted or rejected. A suggestion lacks the authoritative tone and implication of repercussions associated with "a firm warning".