a warning note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a warning note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a written message that serves to alert someone about a potential issue or danger. Example: "The teacher left a warning note on my desk about the upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Cable also sounded a warning note, saying the housing market was "very buoyant".

The Guardian

And Norman was in so many ways the end of the 50's, a warning note of growing up.

The New York Times

Then the body of a beheaded dog was hung on a window at the newspaper's premises, with a warning note attached to it.

The Economist

The piece ends on a warning note, stating that if these issues are not addressed, incidents like the violence at Kokrajhar will recur.

The New York Times

Yet Miller sounds a warning note that Britain may end up missing out in a sector where it has traditionally been at the leading edge.

The Guardian - Business

Her first thought - characteristically conscientious, as I would discover - was for the Old Vic's cleaners: a warning note must be written.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In March, the state department issued a warning noting that Iranian-Americans were particularly at risk of being detained or imprisoned if they travelled to Iran.

The Guardian

Last week, online classified site Backpage.com was suddenly replaced with a warning noting that it had been seized by the FBI.

TechCrunch

(When users log in, FDA computers do present a warning noting that employees should have "no reasonable expectation of privacy").. Kohn claims that FDA managers took the screenshots to determine who the whistleblowers consulted with and where they got their information, and then to widen surveillance to those other people.

Science Magazine

Referring to today's world, if there was a warning noted at the time prior to the Pulse massacre, perhaps it may have resulted in arousing suspicion with the gun seller in refusing to sell the weapons to the killer and the tragedy may have been averted.

Huffington Post

The line gets a laugh, but I hope it sounds a melancholy warning note to Martin Scorsese.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a warning note", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the warning. Be specific about what the note is cautioning against to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a warning note" in overly casual conversations where simpler terms like "heads-up" or "just so you know" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a degree of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a warning note" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a written communication intended to alert someone about a potential danger, problem, or issue. Ludwig confirms the correct and usable structure of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a warning note" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a cautionary message. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and technical writing. While generally neutral in register, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where a formal or serious tone is appropriate. Remember to clearly articulate the content and source of the warning to avoid ambiguity. When a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives like "heads-up" or "word of caution". The authoritative sources using this expression most often are The Guardian, The New York Times and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a danger signal

Directly indicates the presence of a threat or hazard.

a cautionary message

Emphasizes the advisory nature of the warning, focusing on guidance rather than immediate danger.

an advance warning

Stresses the proactive aspect of providing a warning beforehand.

a signal of alarm

Highlights the urgent and concerning nature of the warning.

an alarming signal

Highlights the potential for concern and urgency associated with the warning.

a cautionary flag

Similar to a red flag, but emphasizes the need for caution rather than immediate alarm.

a red flag

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest a problem or danger ahead.

a word of caution

More gentle and advisory, suggesting prudence rather than impending doom.

a premonitory sign

Focuses on the predictive aspect, hinting at future negative outcomes.

a wake-up call

Emphasizes the need for increased awareness and action due to a potential problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a warning note" to introduce a cautionary statement, such as, "The doctor's report included "a warning note" about potential side effects."

What's a less formal alternative to "a warning note"?

For less formal situations, consider using phrases like "a heads-up", "a caution", or "a word of warning".

Is it correct to say "warning note" without the article "a"?

While understandable, it's grammatically preferable to include the article "a" when referring to a single instance of a warning note. Omitting it can sound slightly less formal or less precise.

When is it appropriate to use "a warning note" over "a threat"?

"A warning note" generally implies a caution against potential dangers or problems, while "a threat" suggests an intention to cause harm. Use "a warning note" when conveying a potential risk, and "a threat" when conveying an explicit intention to harm.