a kind of warning

USAGE SUMMARY

"a kind of warning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is a type of cautionary statement or advice. For example, "The teacher's stern look was a kind of warning - don't misbehave in class again!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The film is a kind of warning".

The Guardian - Film

I didn't know it was a kind of warning".

The New York Times

I realize now I should have recognized this as a kind of warning.

The New York Times - Magazine

The royal family had set fire to itself as a kind of warning.

The New Yorker

But he took Pinkerton's sense of entitlement as a kind of warning.

The New York Times - Arts

In a kind of warning, Mr. Labwani and Mr. Maleh last month formed a new group under the council's umbrella.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

At one point, a female Palestinian journalist in a hijab was taking pictures of a cop when, without any kind of warning, he grabbed her and hurled her roughly to the ground, looking incredibly proud of himself as he did it.

Vice

But it is a kind of final warning for a defendant company, strongly indicating where the commission is headed.

The New York Times

But the pronounced difference in responses led the researchers to think women might have developed a kind of early warning system to alert them to relationship threats.

The New York Times

The tremors were picked up by an array of 600 highly sensitive seismic stations set up by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention as a kind of early warning system for earthquakes.

The New York Times - Science

Kracklite, even without the same mercurial menace as Gary Cooper, was equally fascinating as a kind of awful warning of the worst things that can happen to a curator.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a kind of warning" to subtly introduce a potential negative outcome or to gently advise caution without being overly alarming.

Common error

Avoid using "a kind of warning" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "forewarning" or "cautionary note" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind of warning" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something that serves as a cautionary signal or indication, according to Ludwig AI, offering a nuanced way to express potential danger or negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a kind of warning" is a versatile phrase that serves as a subtle yet effective way to signal potential risks or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media, but also in Science and Formal & Business contexts. While commonly employed to alert and advise, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider synonyms for variety. It functions as a noun phrase and holds a neutral register, appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Its real-world examples showcase its adaptability in various situations, making it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a forewarning

A more concise way to express the idea of warning in advance.

a cautionary note

Highlights the advisory aspect of the phrase.

a form of alert

Focuses on the alerting aspect rather than the cautionary aspect.

an indication of trouble

Suggests a problem is likely to arise.

a signal of caution

Highlights the signalling aspect of the warning.

an implicit threat

Emphasizes the underlying menace rather than the advice.

an early sign

Suggests a preliminary indication before a full warning is necessary.

a premonitory indication

Conveys a sense of foreboding and anticipation.

a subtle hint

Implies the warning is not direct but requires interpretation.

a premonition

Focuses on the intuitive feeling that something bad will happen.

FAQs

How can I use "a kind of warning" in a sentence?

You can use "a kind of warning" to describe a situation or event that serves as an alert to potential dangers or problems. For example, "The company's declining profits were "a kind of warning" that changes needed to be made."

What is a synonym for "a kind of warning"?

Synonyms for "a kind of warning" include "a cautionary note", "a forewarning", or "an implicit threat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a kind of warning" is generally appropriate in formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more direct or specific term might be preferable. Consider using phrases such as "an early sign" or "a premonition" instead.

What's the difference between "a kind of warning" and "a warning"?

"A warning" is a direct and explicit indication of danger or a problem. "A kind of warning" implies something that serves as a warning but might be more subtle or indirect. For example, the phrase "a subtle hint" can have a meaning somewhat related to the query.