a warning sign

USAGE SUMMARY

"a warning sign" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase any time you want to refer to a physical sign in the physical world. For example, "Be careful when crossing the street since there's a warning sign cautioning drivers to slow down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a warning sign.

The New Yorker

But it's a warning sign".

The New York Times

A warning sign for his fellow managers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That should have been a warning sign.

The Guardian - Books

Nonetheless, it's a warning sign worth noting.

The New Yorker

Age would have flashed a warning sign.

The New York Times

If so, that's a warning sign to us.

The New York Times

Or he doesn't, which voters should consider a warning sign.

The New York Times

But on occasion a warning sign is flashed.

The New York Times

"That strikes me as a warning sign," he said.

The New York Times

If anything, it would be a warning sign.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a warning sign" in writing, ensure that the context clearly explains what the sign is warning about. For example, "The cracked foundation was a warning sign of potential structural damage."

Common error

Avoid using "a warning sign" when referring to a solution or preventive measure. A warning sign indicates a potential problem, not a resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a warning sign" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that indicates a potential danger or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a warning sign" is a versatile noun phrase used to indicate potential danger or problems across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in both formal and informal communication. Predominantly found in news, scientific articles, and wiki content, its function is to alert and caution, prompting action. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what specific danger or issue is being indicated. While alternatives like ""a red flag"" or ""an alert signal"" exist, "a warning sign" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an alert signal

Replaces "warning" with "alert" and "sign" with "signal", focusing on the immediate notification aspect.

a red flag

Uses a common idiom to indicate a problem or danger that needs attention.

an indication of danger

Replaces "warning sign" with a more explicit description of what the sign implies.

a caution indicator

Substitutes "warning" with "caution" and "sign" with "indicator", providing a slightly more technical feel.

a signal of alarm

Highlights the alarming nature of the sign, emphasizing the need for attention.

a harbinger of risk

Presents a more literary and formal way of saying something indicates future danger.

a sign of impending trouble

Specifies that the sign points to trouble that is likely to happen soon.

a premonitory symbol

Uses a more abstract term to indicate a symbol predicting something bad.

an early symptom

Emphasizes the earliness of the sign and its relevance as an indicator of a condition.

a heads-up

Offers an informal alternative, focusing on giving someone advance notice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a warning sign" to indicate something that alerts you to a potential danger or problem. For example, "The company's declining sales were "a warning sign" of financial difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "a warning sign"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a red flag", "an alert signal", or "an indication of danger".

Is it correct to say "the warning sign" instead of "a warning sign"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a warning sign" is used when referring to a general or unspecified sign. "The warning sign" is used when referring to a specific sign that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context.

Can "a warning sign" be metaphorical?

Yes, "a warning sign" can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical indicators of potential problems. For example, "His constant lateness was "a warning sign" that he wasn't taking the job seriously."