a hard warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a serious or stern caution about a particular situation or behavior. Example: "The manager issued a hard warning to the team about the consequences of missing deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a hard warning to heed for a track that brings to mind disco's golden era.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even the precise 6-point turn ratings have now been replaced by a simpler "easy, medium or hard" warning from your co-driver.

The Guardian - Tech

Meanwhile, the NWS also issued a "hard freeze warning" for large parts of the Midwest, and freeze warnings for the west coast.

Independent

He also remembered how Brando had told him not to work so hard, warning him he "would run out of characters" if he continued making so many movies.

Independent

Santorum has hit this theme the hardest, warning that conservative Christians must not be fooled by the president's efforts to play the neutral statesman who treats all believers equally.

The New York Times

But the IMF has taken an equally hard line, warning last month that, without an "explicit and concrete agreement" on debt relief, the fund will not participate in a new bailout.

The Guardian

British Airways initially took a hard-line stance, warning travellers with non-functioning devices that they would be barred from the plane: "If, when asked to do so, you are unable to demonstrate that your device has power you will not be allowed to fly on your planned service".

Independent

On Tuesday, May repeated her warning that a hard Brexit was likely, which provoked another round of selling.

The Guardian - Business

That does not mean that car lovers like Mr. Cuomo might welcome more drivers on the road who have a hard time deciphering a sign warning that their lane was ending.

The New York Times

Last week he tried hard to talk down the economy by warning that a "hard road" lay ahead and that "our nation was on the verge of bankruptcy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Concern has also grown after business leaders, led by the Confederation of British Industry and EEF (formerly the Engineering Employers Federation), wrote an open letter to the prime minister, warning that a hard Brexit that failed to secure a close relationship with the single market should be ruled out "under any circumstances".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hard warning" when you want to convey a sense of serious caution and potential negative consequences if the warning is ignored.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard warning" repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "stern", "severe", or "firm" to add nuance and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

A hard warning functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun (warning), serving to describe the intensity and seriousness of the caution being conveyed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard warning" is a grammatically correct, though relatively rare, phrase used to convey a serious caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the gravity of a situation, urging the recipient to take heed. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for news reports and informative contexts. While alternatives like ""a stern warning"" or "a severe warning" can provide nuance, "a hard warning" effectively communicates the importance of paying attention to the caution being given.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stern warning

Replaces "hard" with "stern", emphasizing the severity of the warning.

a severe warning

Substitutes "hard" with "severe", highlighting the intensity and potential consequences of ignoring the warning.

a firm warning

Replaces "hard" with "firm", indicating a resolute and unwavering warning.

a strong warning

Uses "strong" in place of "hard", emphasizing the forcefulness and impact of the warning.

a serious warning

Replaces "hard" with "serious", emphasizing the critical nature of the warning.

a harsh warning

Substitutes "hard" with "harsh", suggesting an unpleasant and severe warning.

a grave warning

Uses "grave" instead of "hard", indicating a very serious and concerning warning.

an explicit warning

Replaces "hard" with "explicit", emphasizing clarity and directness of the warning.

a dire warning

Substitutes "hard" with "dire", conveying a sense of impending disaster if the warning is not heeded.

a critical warning

Uses "critical" instead of "hard", emphasizing the crucial importance of the warning.

FAQs

What does "a hard warning" mean?

The phrase "a hard warning" signifies a stern or serious caution, often indicating potential negative consequences if the warning is ignored. It suggests that the warning should be taken seriously.

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

You can use alternatives like "a stern warning", "a serious warning", or "a firm warning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "a hard warning" is grammatically correct, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative like "a stern warning" or "a grave warning" in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

How does "a hard warning" differ from "a gentle warning"?

"A hard warning" implies a serious and potentially harsh message, while "a gentle warning" suggests a mild and considerate caution. The choice depends on the severity of the situation and the desired impact.