as a warning sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a warning sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a signal or indication of a potential problem or danger. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature served as a warning sign that a storm was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Others use government spending as a share of gross domestic product as a warning sign.

The New York Times

Once again, "bullying" at school was ignored as a warning sign.

The New York Times

Even calmer types regarded the unprecedented red ink as a warning sign.

The New York Times

When he was recently interviewing a contractor to do framework on his porch, he read vagueness as a warning sign.

The New York Times

In both of these aspects, prestigious degrees are seen as a warning sign if not a negative signal.

Harvard Business Review

Subsequently, they were confronted with a tone cue during reward-seeking that functions as a warning sign since lever pressing during tone presentation results in a probabilistic footshock.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

However, they may act as a warning sign for those consumers who are more worried about the taste of the products, rather than healthiness.

Food Quality and Preference

Fisher expressed support for the referees but said he did not view the referee lockout as a warning sign.

The New York Times - Sports

Detroit's reputation precedes it: its economic decline and apparent decay regarded as a warning sign for modern civilisation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The article should have included whether or not back pain radiates into the leg as a "warning sign" that further and earlier investigation is warranted.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a warning sign", ensure the context clearly identifies what potential danger or problem the sign is warning about. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid embedding "as a warning sign" within overly complex sentences, as this can dilute the impact of the warning. Opt for a simpler structure to ensure the warning is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a warning sign" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the role or purpose of something as a signal of potential danger or risk. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a warning sign" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something serves as an indicator of potential danger or risk. Ludwig AI highlights its consistent usage across various authoritative sources, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives such as "as a cautionary sign" or "as a red flag" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for effective communication. Remember to be clear and specific when using "as a warning sign" to ensure your audience understands the potential danger and can take appropriate action. Avoiding overly complex sentences will maximize the impact of the warning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a cautionary sign

Emphasizes the need for caution based on the indication.

as a red flag

Uses a common idiom for a warning, implying immediate attention is needed.

as an ominous indication

Highlights a more foreboding or threatening aspect of the sign.

as a sign of impending trouble

Directly states that the sign points to future difficulties.

as an early indicator

Focuses on the timing of the sign, suggesting it appears before a larger issue.

as an alert

Short and direct, emphasizing immediate awareness.

as a harbinger

Suggests that the sign is a herald of something significant and potentially negative.

as a premonitory sign

Indicates a feeling or intuition that something bad is about to happen.

as a heads-up

Informal way of saying it's a warning to prepare for something.

as a clue

Suggests the sign is part of a puzzle that needs to be understood.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a warning sign" to indicate that something serves as an indicator of potential danger or a problem. For example, "The company's declining profits served as a warning sign that changes were needed."

What's a more formal alternative to "as a warning sign"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "as a cautionary sign" or "as an early indicator", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative when something is described "as a warning sign"?

While typically used in negative contexts to indicate potential problems, "as a warning sign" can sometimes be used to prompt preventative action, turning a potential negative into a positive outcome.

What are some common words that are used with "as a warning sign"?

Common words and phrases used with "as a warning sign" include "serve", "act", "regard", "see", "should be taken", and "should have been seen" to emphasize the role of the sign in predicting or highlighting a potential issue.