a pointed warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pointed warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warning that is direct, clear, and intended to draw attention to a serious issue or potential danger. Example: "The manager issued a pointed warning to the team about the consequences of missing deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr. Amir, the butcher, did vote, but left with a pointed warning.

The New York Times

Two men, their faces and bodies painted red, raised bows and arrows as a pointed warning to the intruder.

The New York Times

Tony Abbott has issued a pointed warning to his frontbench: stop leaking on internal processes and focus on party policy.

The Guardian

In what appeared to be a pointed warning to Sports Direct and Ashley, Boles added: "I don't care how famous an employer is.

The Guardian - Business

Barnas issued a pointed warning to the Australian government about the consequences of paying crews of boats to return to Indonesia.

The Guardian

It also stands as a pointed warning to Gov. David Paterson that he needs to name a tough enforcer to run the state's Commission on Public Integrity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Coming after a more pointed warning to lower earnings projections late Wednesday from Brocade Communications Systems, a leading supplier of networking equipment for storage systems, EMC's uncharacteristically cautious note helped send storage stocks sharply lower.

The New York Times

In a similarly pointed warning, in May, Turkish fighter jets chased Israeli warplanes from what Ankara said was Turkish airspace just north of Cyprus.

The New York Times

Orlando's great line, "I can live no longer by thinking", becomes here a gentle, pointed warning to Rosalind that it is time to stop playing games, and the compulsively talkative heroine gives his remark the respect of a long, pensive pause before replying.

Independent

The NCAA released a final, pointed warning last Thursday ahead of the release of its championship event schedule, which comes out April 18. "As the state knows, next week our various sports committees will begin making championships site selections for 2018-2022," the NCAA said in a statement at the time.

Huffington Post

In an unusually pointed warning to the new North Korean leader, Admiral Winnefeld added, "We believe that this young lad ought to be deterred by that — and if he's not, we'll be ready".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pointed warning", ensure the context makes clear what the potential negative consequences are if the warning is not heeded. This adds weight to the warning.

Common error

While effective, "a pointed warning" can lose its impact if used too frequently in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a stark warning" or "a clear warning" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pointed warning" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'issued', 'gave') or as a subject complement. It describes the nature of the warning being given.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pointed warning" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that delivers a direct and explicit caution. Ludwig confirms it's primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to highlight potential dangers or negative consequences, as seen in the examples provided. While effective, varying your vocabulary can prevent overuse and maintain reader engagement. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register and is suitable for various forms of communication where clarity and directness are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear warning

Highlights the unambiguity and ease of understanding of the warning.

a stern warning

Suggests a serious and authoritative tone in the warning.

a stark warning

Emphasizes the severity or bluntness of the warning.

a direct warning

Focuses on the straightforward and unmediated nature of the warning.

an explicit warning

Indicates that the warning was expressed directly and without any implication.

a strong caution

Emphasizes the intensity and potential consequences of ignoring the advice.

a significant alert

Implies the importance and urgency of the warning.

an unmistakable sign

Highlights that a warning is communicated through a clear signal.

a telling indication

Focuses on how the warning reveals underlying issues or potential problems.

a word to the wise

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the listener should heed the advice given.

FAQs

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

"A pointed warning" is used to describe a direct and explicit cautionary statement. For example, "The general issued "a pointed warning" to the troops regarding the dangers of the mission".

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

You can use alternatives like "a stark warning", "a clear warning", or "a stern warning" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a pointed warning"?

It is appropriate to use "a pointed warning" when you want to emphasize the directness and seriousness of a warning, typically when there are potential negative consequences if the warning is ignored.

What's the difference between "a pointed warning" and "a subtle warning"?

"A pointed warning" is direct and explicit, leaving no room for misinterpretation. In contrast, "a subtle warning" is indirect and requires the recipient to infer the potential danger or negative consequence.