as a warning

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a warning" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement or action that serves as a caution or alert to the listener/reader. It can also be used to indicate that something is being done as a precautionary measure. Example: As a warning, the city council advised residents to evacuate their homes due to the impending hurricane.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But also as a warning".

Independent

He nodded toward Ribustello, as a warning.

The New Yorker

Brin recognized it as a warning.

The New Yorker

As a warning call, that sounds unambiguous.

The New York Times

"This must be seen as a warning.

BBC

Chesterton's career also serves as a warning.

The New Yorker

Limbaugh took it as a warning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Google might take that as a warning.

The Guardian - Business

Maybe it was meant as a warning.

The New York Times

Bad behavior serves as a warning but succeeds as entertainment.

The New York Times - Arts

His book can be read as a warning flare.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a warning", ensure the subsequent statement clearly outlines the potential danger or negative consequence. Be specific and avoid ambiguity to maximize its effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "as a warning" without providing sufficient context or specific details about the potential risk. A general warning without explanation can be easily dismissed or misunderstood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a warning" functions primarily as an introductory prepositional phrase. It sets the stage for a statement intended to caution or alert the audience about a potential danger or negative consequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase prefaces advice, alerts, or cautionary information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a warning" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to preface statements of caution or alert. Grammatically sound and very common, it is employed across diverse contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific domains. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread application. When using "as a warning", clarity is key; ensure the subsequent statement vividly describes the impending risk. While many phrases share a similar intent, "as a warning" stands out for its directness and versatility, making it a staple in both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a cautionary note

Highlights the advisory nature of the message.

be forewarned

Directly alerts someone to potential danger or negative consequences.

by way of caution

Emphasizes the manner in which the warning is delivered.

to serve as a deterrent

Focuses on preventing a specific action or outcome.

take heed

Implies a call to pay attention and act cautiously.

a cautionary tale

Highlights a scenario with negative outcome used to avoid future mistakes.

a word to the wise

Highlights the importance of heeding advice to avoid problems.

let this be a lesson

Emphasizes learning from a negative experience.

for your information

Implies the information should inspire vigilance.

bear in mind

Encourages the listener to keep an important detail in memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a warning" to introduce a statement that is meant to alert someone to a potential danger or negative consequence. For example: "As a warning, the bridge is known to ice over quickly in cold weather."

What phrases are similar to "as a warning"?

Similar phrases include "by way of caution", "as a cautionary note", and "be forewarned". These phrases all serve to introduce information intended to alert someone to a potential risk.

Is there a difference between "as a warning" and "as a cautionary tale"?

"As a warning" is a direct statement intended to alert someone to an immediate danger, whereas "as a cautionary tale" refers to a story or anecdote that illustrates the potential consequences of certain actions. The former is more immediate and direct, while the latter is more narrative.

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

It's appropriate to use "as a warning" when you need to explicitly draw someone's attention to a potential danger, risk, or negative consequence. This is especially useful in situations where clarity and directness are crucial, such as in safety instructions or urgent announcements.