a serious warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious warning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance or gravity of a warning being given. Example: "The meteorologist issued a serious warning about the impending storm, advising residents to take necessary precautions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It was a serious warning, it wasn't listened to," Hollande said.

The Guardian

East Timor took that violence as a serious warning and stepped up its training.

The New York Times

He added that the South Korean government "has issued a serious warning to North Korea".

The New York Times

"The result of the exit poll is a serious warning for the entire team in power," he said.

The Guardian

After three weekends of this, the examining magistrate sent for Gabrielle and gave her a serious warning.

The New Yorker

Peers have issued a serious warning that the government's proposed "snooper's charter" law could endanger journalists and their sources.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Kim, who got a "most serious" warning during the Salt Lake City scandal for nepotism and for an alleged sham job provided to his son, said the money would be assistance for an office and a staff, not a salary.

The New York Times - Sports

Pound also led the investigation of the Salt Lake City scandal, and yet he received fewer votes than Kim, who was given a "most serious" warning for nepotism that included the allegation that his son received a sham job from the bid committee.

The New York Times - Sports

Most students are happy to talk about their college — and if they are not, that should be a pretty serious warning sign.

The New York Times

The evidence in similar attacks in major Indian cities, and Pakistan's ongoing support for these groups, led the Cabinet Committee to decide "that Pakistan must be given a very serious warning," Mishra recalled.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew sent the House a very serious warning that, for the first time, the United States would be unable to pay its bills beginning on Oct. 17 if the debt ceiling is not lifted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious warning", consider the audience and tailor the language to match their level of understanding and the context of the situation. Ensure the warning is clear, concise, and actionable.

Common error

Avoid adding too many adjectives or adverbs to emphasize the seriousness of the warning. Overuse can dilute the impact and make the warning sound less credible. Instead of saying "a very, very serious warning", focus on the specific consequences of ignoring the warning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious warning" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as the direct object of a verb (e.g., "issue", "give", "receive"). It highlights the gravity and importance of the warning being conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious warning" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to convey the gravity of an alert or caution. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. When crafting your message, remember that alternatives like "a grave warning" or "a stern warning" may offer a more precise tone. It's crucial to focus on clarity and actionability, ensuring the warning's impact is not diluted by unnecessary intensifiers. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate potential dangers and encourage appropriate responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave warning

Emphasizes the solemn and potentially dire nature of the warning.

a stern warning

Highlights the authoritative and forceful nature of the warning.

a dire warning

Implies a sense of impending doom or disaster if the warning is ignored.

a strong caution

Focuses on the need for careful consideration and vigilance.

a harsh admonition

Suggests a rebuke or reprimand accompanying the warning.

a red flag

Functions as an idiom indicating a potential problem or danger ahead.

a cautionary tale

Presents the warning through a narrative or example.

an alarming signal

Emphasizes the cause for concern and urgency.

words of caution

Highlights the advice to be careful and prudent.

cause for alarm

This is not a warning itself, but an evaluation of something to consider to be serious.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious warning" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious warning" to emphasize the importance of heeding advice or recognizing potential danger. For example: "The doctor issued "a serious warning" about the dangers of smoking."

What are some alternatives to "a serious warning"?

Some alternatives include "a grave warning", "a stern warning", or "a dire warning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very serious warning"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" can sometimes be redundant. It's often more effective to strengthen the warning by specifying the potential consequences or providing additional context. Consider if the word 'very' really adds any emphasis or replace it with a more descriptive word.

What's the difference between "a serious warning" and "a serious threat"?

"A serious warning" indicates a potential danger or negative outcome if certain actions are taken or avoided. "A serious threat", on the other hand, implies an intention to inflict harm or damage. The key difference lies in the intent and the imminence of the danger.