a small warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to give a brief or minor caution about something. Example: "Before you proceed with the installation, here's a small warning: make sure to back up your data first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A small warning that #LondonBridge has been shut.

Independent

A small warning on the label says it is copy-protected.

The New York Times

The morning provided a small warning of the din that awaits Miley a few hours from now.

The Guardian - Sport

A small warning: I would think twice before taking any small kids to see this one, since there's a couple of rather intense hunting scenes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

After her daughter died, Ms. Hale went to the supermarket and found that some brands of microwave popcorn had a small warning on the bottom of the box.

The New York Times - Health

A small warning in the publicity that the play "contains graphic scenes of physical and sexual violence" is little more than a theatrical equivalent of an X-rating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

There's a small health warning from Neal that the map suggests the data it is based on is more precise than it really is.

The Guardian

A small craft warning was declared along the coast and advised marines to take precautions.

Wikipedia

Similarly, the Weather Bureau issued a small craft warning for the Dry Tortugas and for the Florida Keys through Key Largo.

Wikipedia

The U.S. Weather Bureau issued a small craft warning for the west and east Florida coastlines, as well as northward to Brunswick, Georgia.

Wikipedia

There was a small craft warning in the [San Francisco] Bay, so we went out on that day.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small warning", follow it with a clear and concise explanation of the potential issue. For example, "A small warning: the path can be slippery after rain."

Common error

Avoid using "a small warning" for issues that could have significant consequences. Reserve it for minor inconveniences or easily avoidable problems to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small warning" functions as an introductory element to signal a minor cautionary note. It prepares the audience for a potential issue that is not overly significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small warning" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for introducing a minor caution or alert. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. When employing this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key to ensuring effective communication without causing undue alarm. Alternatives such as "minor caution" or "brief heads-up" can be used to maintain a consistent tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor caution

Emphasizes the reduced significance of the warning.

a light caution

Underlines the reduced intensity of the warning.

a brief heads-up

Highlights the brevity and informal nature of the warning.

a word of caution

Focuses on the verbal aspect of providing a warning.

a quick note of caution

Emphasizes the brevity of providing a caution

a slight caveat

Introduces a minor condition or limitation.

a friendly warning

Focuses on the kindness of delivering the warning

a gentle reminder

Softens the tone of the warning, framing it as a reminder.

a quick alert

Stresses the speed and immediacy of the warning.

a minor disclaimer

Highlights the legal or formal aspect of a warning.

FAQs

What does "a small warning" mean?

The phrase "a small warning" indicates a minor caution or a brief alert about a potential issue or problem.

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

You can use "a small warning" to introduce a minor caution, such as, "A small warning: the coffee is very hot."

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

You can use alternatives like "minor caution", "brief heads-up", or "word of caution" depending on the context.

When should I use "a small warning" versus a more serious warning?

Use "a small warning" when the potential issue is minor and easily managed. For more significant risks, use phrases like "serious warning" or "important caution".