a warning example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a warning example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instance or case that serves to caution others about potential dangers or mistakes. Example: "The company's failure serves as a warning example for startups to be cautious with their funding strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There is a warning example.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather, he proposed to "hang myself in public as a warning example for all anti-Semites on this earth".

The New Yorker

This is mentioned in all four of the Gospels and has been used for centuries as a warning example by antigambling crusaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As it is, Streisand - as an actress, as her own impresario, as a figure in the culture - is something of a joke, a warning example of self-infatuation.

The Guardian - Film

In his mind, there was no contradiction between "I will jump into my grave laughing," appropriate for the end of the war, and "I am ready to hang myself in public as a warning example for all anti-Semites on this earth," which now, under vastly different circumstances, fulfilled exactly the same function — that of giving him a lift.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In 2011, it was released for the first time as an ebook, because, as Mitchell acknowledged in a preface, he saw, in the Occupy Wall Street grassroots movement, parallels with EPIC, and wanted to offer Sinclair as both a warming and warning example to the new wave of progressive protestors.

The Guardian - Books

There are various ways of issuing a warning, for example in a lecture I might state that the next slide has a reference to mutilation, or I might add a note in parenthesis on the reading list where a text includes graphic description of sexual violence.

The Guardian

I don't like feeling like I have to choose a side: That I'm either a body-positive blogger who looks at weight as entirely separate from health when I know from my own experience that it's not always separate, or I'm one of those body-shaming fat-phobes who thinks it's fine to put chubby kids on a billboard as a warning and example.

Huffington Post

It is not for nothing, Alec says, that Evelyn's most sentimental book, "Brideshead Revisited" (1945), was written the year after Arthur's death: "The warning example was now removed".

The New Yorker

"China's anti-graft campaign has moved beyond setting warning examples to deter others," said a 2014 year-end report from state press agency Xinhua.

Vice

Other than recommendations in the foreword, the book also contained a short chapter with descriptions of fictitious housewives that served as warning examples about neglecting housework in favor of beautification, reading, religion, or doing the chores of the servants.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a warning example" when you want to highlight a specific case that serves as a reminder of potential negative consequences, encouraging others to avoid similar situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a warning example" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "cautionary tale" or "admonitory case" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a warning example" functions as a noun phrase that serves to illustrate a situation or event that should be heeded as a caution. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across varied contexts, always with the underlying purpose of alerting the audience to potential dangers or mistakes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a warning example" is a phrase used to highlight a specific instance that serves as a caution, advising others to avoid similar situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While not overly frequent, the phrase effectively conveys its message of deterrence and prevention. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "cautionary tale" or "admonitory case" to maintain reader engagement. Remember to use "a warning example" when the cautionary aspect is crucial to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautionary instance

Replaces 'warning' with 'cautionary' and 'example' with 'instance', keeping the core meaning intact.

admonitory case

Substitutes 'warning' with 'admonitory' and 'example' with 'case', highlighting the advising nature.

exemplary warning

Inverts the order and emphasizes the warning through the nature of the example.

lesson in what not to do

Expresses the phrase's intent as a lesson, focusing on avoidance of negative outcomes.

preventative illustration

Highlights the preventative aspect and uses 'illustration' to denote the example.

cautionary tale

Replaces the literal 'example' with a narrative form, implying a story with a moral.

object lesson

Uses a more concise term to convey a practical lesson derived from an example.

case in point for prudence

Specifically ties the example to the need for carefulness and good judgment.

reminder of potential pitfalls

Shifts from direct warning to a reminder, softening the tone while retaining the cautionary element.

beacon of caution

Uses metaphorical language to represent the example as a guiding light for avoiding danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "a warning example" to illustrate a situation that should be avoided. For instance, "The company's financial troubles serve as "a warning example" to other startups about the importance of careful budgeting".

What are some alternatives to "a warning example"?

Some alternatives include "cautionary tale", "admonitory case", or "lesson in what not to do", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "a warning example", or can I use just "example"?

While "example" can be used, "a warning example" specifically emphasizes that the example serves as a caution. If the cautionary aspect is important, using the full phrase is more effective. Otherwise, simply using "example" may suffice.

Can "a warning example" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a warning example" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or critical situations. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "admonitory case" for a more polished tone.