be warned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be warned" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a warning or caution to someone, and can be used in various contexts, such as giving advice or expressing concern. Here is an example: Be warned: hiking on this trail can be dangerous, especially in rainy weather. In this sentence, "be warned" is used at the beginning as a warning to the reader about the potential dangers of hiking on the trail. It is a concise and direct way to get the message across.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But be warned.

Independent

(Trenton fans be warned).

The New York Times - Sports

Political hopefuls, be warned!

The New York Times

(Be warned: spoilers ahead).

The New Yorker

He may! Be warned!

The New York Times

Be warned: there are hills.

Independent

Be wary and be warned.

The New York Times

Russian literature purists, be warned.

The New York Times

Be warned, it's quite loud.

Independent

Be warned: the pressure can be maddening.

The New York Times

Be warned, though: living conditions are basic.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "be warned", ensure that the context provides actionable information. The warning is most effective when the audience knows what to avoid or how to mitigate the risk.

Common error

Avoid using "be warned" without providing specific details or actionable advice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem alarmist without substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be warned" functions primarily as an imperative, issuing a command or instruction. Specifically, it serves as a warning signal, alerting the recipient to potential danger, risk, or negative consequences. Ludwig’s examples shows it is a common way to caution someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

30%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be warned" is a versatile phrase used to preface cautionary statements, alerting the audience to potential risks or negative outcomes. It is grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. To maximize its effectiveness, it’s best paired with specific details and actionable advice to ensure the warning is clear and impactful. Remember that overusing it without substance can dilute its strength. Consider alternatives like "take heed", "beware", or "be cautious" depending on context, and always ensure your warning provides real value to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you have been warned

Emphasizes that a warning has been given and consequences may follow.

beware

A direct and strong warning of danger.

be forewarned

Highlights the importance of prior knowledge of potential issues.

take heed

Emphasizes paying attention to potential dangers.

consider this a warning

A formal and direct way to express a warning.

be cautious

Suggests carefulness and prudence to avoid problems.

proceed with caution

Advises to continue, but with awareness of possible risks.

a word of caution

Introduces a cautionary piece of advice.

be mindful

Suggests keeping something in mind to avoid negative consequences.

let the buyer beware

Specifically warns buyers to be vigilant against scams or defects.

FAQs

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

You can use "be warned" to introduce a cautionary statement, like: "Be warned: this product may cause allergic reactions."

What's a good alternative to "be warned"?

Alternatives include "take heed", "beware", or "be cautious", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is "be warned" formal or informal?

"Be warned" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it can sometimes sound slightly formal depending on the situation. Phrases like "take heed" might be considered more formal.

Can "be warned" be used in any situation?

While versatile, "be warned" is best used when there is a genuine potential risk or negative outcome to highlight. Overusing it in trivial situations can dilute its impact. Consider the context to decide if alternatives like "be mindful" or "proceed with caution" are more appropriate.