a tough warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying a serious or stern caution about a particular situation or behavior. Example: "The coach issued a tough warning to the players about their lack of discipline during practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Without naming Pakistan specifically, he issued a tough warning to "neighbors on the eastern borders" of Iran.

The New York Times

But Mr. Youssef also has a tough warning for Fatah and Mr. Abbas, who is also known as Abu Mazen.

The New York Times

Britain issued a tough warning against state-sponsored violence there, while Italy suggested that President Hosni Mubarak could manage a transition to democracy.

The New York Times

At a special session of the United Nations Security Council yesterday which endorsed Barack Obama's vision of a nuclear-free world, six major powers issued a tough warning to Iran.

Independent

WASHINGTON — As the nation's second-largest processor of pistachios agreed Monday to recall its entire 2008 crop despite no confirmed illnesses, the Obama administration issued a tough warning to all food makers that sloppy manufacturing practices would no longer be tolerated.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Dr. Clifford J. Rosen, a professor at the Tufts University School of Medicine, who voted for the new label, opposed a tougher warning for people to stop taking the drugs.

The New York Times

James P. Rubin, the State Department spokesman, arrived in Kosovo today with a tough message, warning Albanian leaders that they were losing the respect of their backers in Washington and Europe and risked forfeiting Western support if they did not do more to stem ethnic violence.

The New York Times

Mr. Giuliani talked tough, warning that he might lay off thousands of workers if the unions did not grant sweeping concessions.

The New York Times

Mr. Putin's remarks made it clear that an intensive diplomatic effort -- including Mr. Blair's visit and a telephone call from Mr. Bush on Monday congratulating Mr. Putin on his 50th birthday -- has so far failed to persuade him to accept a tougher resolution warning Iraq of the consequences of noncompliance.

The New York Times

Meeting Belarus's Olympic athletes before they departed for London this week, Lukashenko issued characteristically tough warnings.

The Guardian

Few people believe that Pfizer will be forced to withdraw the drugs, but tough warnings on labels could severely hurt sales.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough warning" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of ignoring the caution. This phrase is suitable for situations where the stakes are high, and the warning is meant to be taken seriously.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough warning" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Consider using synonyms like "stern caution" or "forceful warning" to add variety and maintain the gravity of the message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a tough warning" is to act as a noun phrase. It identifies and describes a specific type of warning, emphasizing its severity or the seriousness of the situation it addresses. Ludwig AI supports that "a tough warning" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough warning" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious and consequential caution. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. It's most commonly found in news and media, conveying a sense of urgency and importance. While grammatically sound, it's best to use synonyms like "stern caution" or "forceful warning" to maintain variety. The phrase indicates a situation requiring serious attention and adherence to avoid negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong caution

Indicates the intensity and importance of the warning.

a forceful warning

Stresses the power and assertiveness behind the warning.

a stern caution

Emphasizes the seriousness and formality of the warning.

a grave warning

Emphasizes the potential for serious consequences.

an explicit warning

Highlights the clear and unambiguous nature of the warning.

a severe admonition

Highlights the gravity and potential consequences of ignoring the warning.

a solemn warning

Conveys a serious and sincere tone in the warning.

a somber warning

Shares similar nuance of "solemn warning" but can also refer to impending outcomes that may create sadness or feeling low.

a firm reprimand

Focuses on the authoritative and corrective nature of the warning.

a dire prediction

Focuses on predicting very negative outcomes.

FAQs

What situations are suitable for using "a tough warning"?

The phrase "a tough warning" is suitable for situations where a serious caution is necessary, such as in political statements, health advisories, or when addressing misconduct. It conveys the gravity of the potential consequences if the warning is ignored.

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

You can use "a tough warning" as follows: "The government issued "a tough warning" to the company regarding its environmental practices." or "The doctor gave "a tough warning" about the risks of smoking."

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

You can use alternatives like "a stern caution", "a strong admonition", or "a forceful warning" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a tough warning" and "a simple warning"?

Yes, "a tough warning" implies a higher level of seriousness and potential consequences compared to "a simple warning". A simple warning might be a general caution, while a tough warning suggests significant risks or penalties if not heeded.