a grave warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a serious or significant caution about a potential danger or risk. Example: "The scientist issued a grave warning about the potential consequences of climate change if immediate action is not taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

We should take this as a grave warning.

The Guardian - Film

Yet his comments were widely understood to be a grave warning to the Islamist group.

Independent

Yet Sisi's comments were widely understood to be a grave warning to the Islamist group.

Independent

It is also a grave warning against flouting democracy and rule of law when faced with terrorist atrocities.

The Guardian - Books

Barack Obama delivered a grave warning on Friday about the danger of post-Assad Syria becoming a haven for Islamist extremists.

The Guardian

A grave warning for cultish devotees of the movie and its several sequels: while the musical is "inspired" by the film, it is by no means a stage facsimile of it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The New Republic even went so far as to call ours a potentially "authoritarian" moment a grave warning that makes it sound like the very foundations of America are being eroded.

Vice

Given the worsening catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, his grave warning to the world remains all too relevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the grave warning, Trump's statement was notably measured in contrast to his response to previous tests of ballistic missile launches by North Korea.

The Washington Post

Stephen Hawking's grave warning, Channel 4 drama Humans and big screen outings Ex Machina and Terminator Genysis have all asked questions about the the potential of AI, and what it could mean for humans.

The Guardian

"If North Korea conducts provocation in defiance of our military's grave warning, it will confront the strong and firm response of our military and the US-South Korea alliance," Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Roh Jae-cheon said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave warning" to emphasize the serious nature of a potential threat or negative outcome. It conveys a stronger sense of urgency and importance compared to a simple warning.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave warning" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone is best suited for serious discussions or formal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave warning" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" modifies "warning". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, emphasizing the importance of the warning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave warning" is a noun phrase used to emphasize a significant potential danger or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its neutrality and suitability for objective reporting. While grammatically sound, avoid overuse in casual conversations. Use it in formal contexts where you want to convey urgency and seriousness. Alternative phrases include ""a serious caution"" or ""a dire prediction"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious caution

Replaces "grave" with "serious", indicating a less severe but still important warning.

a solemn caution

Replaces "grave" with "solemn", underscoring the serious tone.

a severe caution

Replaces "grave" with "severe", suggesting a stern and possibly restrictive warning.

a dire prediction

Shifts from warning to prediction, emphasizing a negative forecast.

a stern admonition

Uses "stern" to highlight the severity and formality of the warning.

a critical alert

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the warning.

an ominous sign

Focuses on the warning as an indicator of future negative events.

an urgent alarm

Highlights the need for immediate attention and action.

a somber forecast

Similar to dire prediction but indicates the warning comes from a prediction or forecast.

a word of peril

Replaces "grave warning" with an expression that sounds solemn and archaic, emphasizing the danger.

FAQs

How to use "a grave warning" in a sentence?

"A grave warning" is typically used to preface a statement about a serious potential danger or negative consequence. For instance, "The doctor issued "a grave warning" about the risks of smoking".

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

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

Which is correct, "a grave warning" or "a serious warning"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""a grave warning"" implies a greater level of danger or concern than "a serious warning". The choice depends on the severity of the situation you're describing.

When should I use "a grave warning" over other similar phrases?

Use ""a grave warning"" when the situation involves significant risk or potential for severe negative consequences. It is suitable for formal contexts where you want to convey a sense of urgency and importance.