be forewarned that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be forewarned that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to alert someone about a potential issue or situation they should be aware of before proceeding. Example: "Be forewarned that the weather conditions may change rapidly during the hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Be forewarned that naughty words are used).

The New York Times

If you haven't seen it, be forewarned that it will break your heart.

The New Yorker

For those who want to catch a Yankees logo in North Korea, be forewarned that the video runs a bit long at 11 minutes 28 seconds.

The New York Times

He has worked to caution voters about Mr. Obama, saying they should be "forewarned" that the president would continue his economic policies in a second term.

The New York Times

Late-night clubbers, however, should be forewarned that the boat departs between 3 and 5 a.m., though breakfast is served all day.

The New York Times - Travel

But neophytes should be forewarned that only the films dealing with table settings and etiquette have stood the test of time.

The New York Times

Lest anyone suspect that he and his co-creator, Jeremy Konner, toned things down for television, be forewarned that the very first narrator vomits halfway through his tale about Watergate.

The New York Times - Arts

Bargain hunters should be forewarned that the supply has yet to meet the pent-up demand, and the construction boom has not made the luxury of ski-in, ski-out housing any more affordable.

The New York Times - Travel

And so the average urban warrior might be forewarned that near-nudity on hot subway platforms may be counterproductive, as may be vigorous fanning, pacing and gesticulating if the train is late.

The New York Times - Health

If you opt for the Android version, be forewarned that it comes with all of the limitations of that platform.

TechCrunch

Before you snap up any real estate here, though, be forewarned that the planet's day side is hot enough to melt lead.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be forewarned that" when you want to preface a statement with a cautionary note, ensuring the audience is aware of potential negative consequences or unexpected outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "be forewarned that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or alarmist. Opt for simpler alternatives like "note that" or "be aware that" when a less forceful warning is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be forewarned that" is to act as an introductory phrase signaling a cautionary message. As Ludwig AI states, it serves to alert someone about a potential issue. It is typically followed by a clause that details the specific warning or potential problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

33%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be forewarned that" is a commonly used phrase to introduce cautionary statements, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an introductory phrase, alerting the audience to potential risks or negative outcomes. While generally neutral in tone, it leans slightly towards formality and is prevalent in news and media, as well as wiki-based content. Remember to use it judiciously and consider simpler alternatives when a less forceful warning is appropriate. The phrase's consistent usage across reputable sources underscores its grammatical correctness and utility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be advised that

Replaces "forewarned" with "advised", offering a more formal tone.

take note that

Emphasizes the importance of the information that follows.

please be aware that

Adds a polite tone while conveying a warning.

it should be noted that

Introduces a point that the listener or reader should pay attention to.

you should know that

Directly informs the listener about something important.

bear in mind that

Encourages the listener to remember the information provided.

keep in mind that

Similar to "bear in mind", but slightly less formal.

let it be known that

Declares something important, often with a formal or authoritative tone.

it is important to realize that

Highlights the significance of understanding a particular fact or situation.

consider this

Offers something for the listener or reader to contemplate before proceeding.

FAQs

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

You can use "be forewarned that" to introduce a cautionary statement. For example, "Be forewarned that the path ahead is steep and rocky".

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

A more formal alternative to "be forewarned that" is "be advised that", which carries a slightly more professional tone.

Is "be forewarned that" suitable for informal writing?

"Be forewarned that" can be used in informal writing, but consider alternatives like "you should know that" or "just so you know" for a more casual tone.

What is the difference between "be forewarned that" and "note that"?

"Be forewarned that" implies a potential negative consequence or risk, while "note that" simply directs attention to a specific piece of information without necessarily implying danger or warning.