a solemn warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solemn warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey a serious or grave caution about a particular situation or behavior. Example: "The teacher issued a solemn warning to the students about the consequences of cheating on the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is also a solemn warning that time is no longer on the side of the United States.

The Washington Post

Aguilar received him from the military when he was probably only a few days old and handed him over to the Hurbans, to raise as their own, with a solemn warning never to tell anyone the truth.

The Guardian

Alexis de Tocque ville, speaking about his "Democracy in America,"' in a pre face says: "There will be found on every page a solemn warning that society changes its forms, humanity its condition, & that new destinies are impending".

The New Yorker

The suspensions of Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton of the Washington Wizards for the rest of the National Basketball Association season came with a solemn warning about players carrying firearms, writes Howard Beck in Thursday's New York Times.

The New York Times

Here the funeral oration was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Corcoran, which was a touching tribute to the heroism and patriotic devotion of the deceased, as well as a solemn warning on the uncertainty of all human projects and ambition, even though of the most laudable character.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But in remembering last year's oil spill and the ongoing challenges in Japan, we think as well of environmentalist Rachel Carson's solemn warning of a silent spring, a season permanently quieted by the hubris of human ambition.

Los Angeles Times

Yesterday's attacks in Iraq bear out his solemn warning and are a cruel reminder of the problems at the heart of the US and British occupation.

The Guardian

You wonder whether they can talk about it yet; whether an innocent newcomer to the dressing-room has chirpily mentioned the increasingly Macbethian word "Adelaide" only to be met with a sharp silence and then the solemn warning, "We don't talk about what happened that day".

The Guardian - Sport

He said that in his judgment it constituted the most solemn warning to the Chinese Communists.

The New Yorker

People who have never read the Book of Common Prayer know the phrase "moveable feast," or "vile body," or the solemn warning of the marriage service: "If either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it".

The New Yorker

When the young king took the usual oath to govern well, Dunstan addressed him in solemn warning.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a solemn warning" when you want to emphasize the gravity of a situation or the serious consequences of an action. It is particularly effective in formal contexts or when addressing critical issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a solemn warning" in everyday, lighthearted conversations. Its serious tone can sound out of place and overly dramatic in informal settings. Opt for simpler cautions or advice instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solemn warning" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., 'issue', 'give', 'heed'). It conveys a serious caution about potential consequences, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solemn warning" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey a serious caution, often in formal or professional contexts. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in news and academic sources. While effective in highlighting the gravity of a situation, its somber tone should be carefully considered for appropriateness. Alternative phrases such as "grave caution" or "stern caution" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave caution

Emphasizes the seriousness of the warning.

serious admonition

Highlights the authoritative nature of the warning.

stern caution

Focuses on the severity of the warning.

earnest caution

Highlights the sincerity behind the warning.

severe warning

Stresses the potential consequences being warned against.

strong caution

Indicates the intensity of the warning.

dire prediction

Suggests a warning based on a negative forecast.

important heads-up

A less formal way to express a warning about something important.

ominous forecast

Refers to a threatening prediction acting as a warning.

critical heads-up

A less formal way to express a warning about something critical.

FAQs

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

You can use "a solemn warning" to preface a cautionary statement, such as: "The doctor issued "a solemn warning" about the dangers of ignoring the symptoms."

What are some alternatives to "a solemn warning"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "grave caution", "serious admonition", or "stern caution" as alternatives to "a solemn warning".

Is it appropriate to use "a solemn warning" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a solemn warning" is best suited for formal or serious contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "be careful" or "watch out" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "a solemn warning" from a regular warning?

The word "solemn" emphasizes the serious and grave nature of the warning. It suggests that the potential consequences are significant and should be taken with utmost seriousness, unlike a regular warning which might be more casual.