a stern caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stern caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a serious warning or advice about a particular situation. Example: "The teacher issued a stern caution to the students about the dangers of cheating on exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Secret, Revealed Which provoked a stern caution from Madame and may explain at long last why the French become frustrated with Americans.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Important clinical problems could still emerge," was the stern caution of an otherwise positive editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine last month.

The New York Times - Science

In fact, the NIA has issued stern cautions against hormone replacement therapy in healthy adults and defined no such dosage.

Los Angeles Times

As Los Angeles moves toward allowing the sale of recreational marijuana, joining cities across the state in the newly legal enterprise, police here offered a stern word of caution.

Los Angeles Times

Newcastle's desperation to get an equaliser then boiled over on a couple of occasions as Cisse and Steven Taylor went into the book, with Danny Rose also cautioned for a stern challenge on Mathieu Debuchy.

BBC

It begins with a stern warning to "calorie counters," cautioning that the recipes that follow are "far too impertinent" for their ascetic palates.

Vice

Upholding professionalism, nonetheless, is key, as Thiel-Stern cautions against leaving a "damaging digital footprint". But Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram aren't the only ways to get your name out there: blogging, especially about your personal interests, is another way to impress an employer, Thiel-Stern says.

HuffPost

"A boat has a transom, a stern and an after cockpit," he cautioned.

The New York Times - Sports

Arguably, Sidwell was fortunate to avoid a second caution for a similar challenge on Semedo just beyond the half-hour, instead incurring a stern talking-to from Tierney.

The Guardian - Sport

A stern gaze.

Independent

A stern talking to?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stern caution" when you want to convey a serious warning about potential negative consequences. It is best suited for formal or semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a stern caution" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a strong warning" or "be careful" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stern caution" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'issue', 'offer') or as a subject complement. It is often used to highlight the seriousness of the warning being given, consistent with Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stern caution" is a phrase used to convey a serious warning or advice, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage is relatively rare but appropriate in formal contexts, primarily within news and media. When writing, consider the setting and audience to ensure the phrase's intensity matches the situation. Alternatives like "a strong warning" or "serious admonition" may be suitable depending on the desired tone. Remember that while grammatically sound, overuse in informal conversations can sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong warning

Emphasizes the intensity of the warning.

a serious admonition

Highlights the gravity and formality of the advice.

a firm reprimand

Suggests a formal disapproval or scolding.

a severe warning

Stresses the potential consequences of ignoring the advice.

a harsh warning

Implies a potentially unpleasant or difficult consequence.

a strict caution

Highlights the rigid and uncompromising nature of the warning.

a pointed warning

Suggests that the warning is specifically directed at someone or something.

a grave warning

Conveys a sense of serious danger or potential harm.

a sharp rebuke

Indicates a strong expression of disapproval.

a severe scolding

Implies a harsh and possibly public reprimand.

FAQs

How can I use "a stern caution" in a sentence?

You can use "a stern caution" to emphasize the seriousness of a warning, such as, "The doctor issued "a stern caution" about the risks of the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "a stern caution"?

Some alternatives to "a stern caution" include "a strong warning", "a serious admonition", or "a firm reprimand" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a stern caution"?

It's appropriate to use "a stern caution" in formal settings or when addressing a serious matter. Using alternatives like "be careful" can be more suitable in informal conversations.

What's the difference between "a stern caution" and "a warning"?

"A stern caution" implies a higher degree of seriousness and potential consequences than a simple "a warning". It suggests that ignoring the caution could lead to significant negative outcomes.