be forewarned

USAGE SUMMARY

'be forewarned' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express caution or to give someone advice about a possible negative outcome or situation. Example: Be forewarned that the test is very difficult and you will need to study hard to pass.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But be forewarned.

The New York Times

Prudes, be forewarned.

The New York Times

Republicans with claustrophobia, be forewarned.

The New York Times

(Be forewarned that naughty words are used).

The New York Times

The question is: can we be forewarned?

The Guardian

10 Should targets of exposés be forewarned?

The Guardian

But, be forewarned, fellow parents of a certain age.

The New York Times

(Be forewarned: those firecracker-like paper snaps quickly become irritating).

The New York Times - Travel

Seekers of black-and-white truth should be forewarned.

The New York Times

However, be forewarned: you must have a skit prepared.

The New York Times

(Though be forewarned: puppet fellatio is something you can't unsee).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be forewarned" to signal important information that readers should consider carefully. It adds a layer of importance, especially when used to highlight potential pitfalls or unexpected outcomes.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "be forewarned". This can make your writing sound repetitive and overly cautious. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "keep in mind" or "it is important to note".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forewarned" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the audience to take note of an impending situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in providing cautionary advice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be forewarned" is a common imperative phrase used to alert individuals about potential negative consequences or risks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is typically found in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. When using "be forewarned", ensure that the potential negative outcome is clearly specified to maximize clarity and impact. Vary its usage with synonyms like "be warned" or "take heed" to prevent repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be warned

A shorter, more direct synonym for "be forewarned".

be aware that

Focuses on imparting knowledge of a particular fact or situation.

it is important to note

Highlights the significance of a particular point, often to avoid misunderstanding.

take heed

This is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "be forewarned".

you should know

Directly informs someone of something they ought to be aware of.

bear in mind

Highlights the need to remember something important, often a potential downside.

keep in mind

Very similar to 'bear in mind' emphasizing awareness.

a word to the wise

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the listener should pay attention to the advice being given.

mark my words

Emphasizes the certainty of a prediction, often with negative connotations.

let the buyer beware

Specific to commercial transactions, indicating the buyer is responsible for checking quality.

FAQs

How can I use "be forewarned" in a sentence?

"Be forewarned" is used to alert someone to a potential danger or negative outcome. For instance, "Be forewarned: the exam covers all the material from the semester."

What's a more formal alternative to "be forewarned"?

A more formal alternative is "take heed", which carries a more serious and cautionary tone.

Is it always necessary to specify what one should be forewarned about?

Yes, it's best to clearly state what you're cautioning against for clarity. For example, instead of just saying "Be forewarned", say "Be forewarned: the road ahead is under construction."

Which is correct, "be forewarned" or "being forewarned"?

"Be forewarned" is the correct imperative form to give a warning or caution. "Being forewarned" is a gerund phrase and would be used differently, such as in the sentence, "Being forewarned is being forearmed."