a stern warning

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, Judge Robert Raciti issued a stern warning.

The New York Times

Fine, it was a stern warning.

The New York Times

Yesterday, the European Commission issued a stern warning to Hungary.

The New York Times

A stern warning will no doubt be issued.

The Guardian - Sport

Both received a stern warning from their father-headmaster.

The New York Times - Arts

After setting Mr. Strauss-Kahn's bail conditions, Justice Obus issued a stern warning.

The New York Times

But every dose, delivered in America, comes with a stern warning of its potential side-effects.

The Economist

There must be a stern warning printed on the blankets about not doing exactly this.

The New Yorker

As he accepted the prize in Oslo, he issued a stern warning.

The New York Times - Science

The State Department has issued a stern warning against traveling there.

The New York Times - Books

And then she will deliver a stern warning to Republicans who remain in swing seats.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stern warning", ensure that the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences of ignoring the warning. This adds weight and credibility to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a stern warning" in casual or lighthearted situations, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for milder expressions like "a friendly reminder" or "a gentle nudge" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stern warning" functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the object of verbs like 'issue', 'receive', or 'deliver', signifying a formal or serious caution. As Ludwig AI tells us, the phrase is proper for conveying a firm caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stern warning" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to convey a serious caution or reprimand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for emphasizing the importance of adhering to rules or preventing undesirable behavior. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, and typically maintains a neutral to formal tone. When choosing to use this phrase, consider its serious nature and whether the context warrants such a strong expression. Alternatives like "a serious caution" or "a firm reprimand" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious caution

Emphasizes the gravity of the warning, focusing on potential consequences.

a severe caution

Highlights intensity, suggesting potential risks are significant.

a firm reprimand

Highlights the authoritative nature of the warning, indicating disapproval.

a critical warning

Emphasizes urgency and importance of the caution.

a strong admonition

Stresses the advice or counsel aspect of the warning, urging against certain actions.

a grave caution

Underscores the potential for significant negative outcomes if the warning is ignored.

a pointed warning

Highlights that the warning is directed at a specific person or group.

a harsh rebuke

Implies a severe criticism or scolding, often delivered publicly.

a somber caution

Emphasizes seriousness, often used in formal situations.

a cautionary word

More gentle and advisory, used to alert someone to potential danger or problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stern warning" when you want to emphasize the seriousness of a caution or reprimand. For example, "The judge issued "a stern warning" to the defendant."

What are some alternatives to "a stern warning"?

Alternatives include "a serious caution", "a firm reprimand", or "a strong admonition". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

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

It's appropriate to use "a stern warning" in situations where there is a genuine risk or potential negative consequence that needs to be addressed seriously. This is most often found in professional or formal contexts, like a legal warning or a company announcement.

Is "a stern warning" the same as "a serious warning"?

While similar, "a stern warning" often implies a more authoritative or formal delivery of the warning, while "a serious warning" simply highlights the gravity of the situation.