be warned that

USAGE SUMMARY

'be warned that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to give someone a warning or caution about a potential consequence of their actions. For example, "Be warned that if you break the rules, there will be serious penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Be warned that the images are extremely bloody.

The New York Times

(Be warned that this one is difficult to watch).

The New Yorker

Parents should be warned that the subject matter is harsh.

The New York Times - Books

Be warned that accommodation gets booked up weeks in advance.

The Guardian - Travel

Be warned that this is an aggressive spreader.

The New York Times - Style

Be warned that this is not the easiest bedtime material.

The New York Times - Books

Patrons should be warned that it is a long evening, nearly five hours in all.

The New Yorker

If you're looking for luxury, be warned that the en-suite showers aren't very powerful.

Independent

Be warned that the initial Time Machine backup can require a very long time.

The New York Times

Be warned that the highway gets congested, even outside rush hour.

The Economist

Be warned that the other floors are not as viewer-friendly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be warned that", ensure the consequence or potential issue is clearly stated to provide context for the warning.

Common error

Avoid using "be warned that" without specifying what the warning pertains to. A vague warning can confuse or alarm the reader without providing useful information. Instead, be specific about the potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be warned that" primarily functions as an imperative construction, serving to introduce a cautionary statement or warning. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is generally correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig show it often precedes explanations of potential dangers or negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be warned that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce cautionary information across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an imperative to alert readers or listeners to potential risks or negative consequences. It is commonly used in news, media, scientific writing and wikis. While its tone is generally neutral, it can lean towards formal depending on the context. When using "be warned that", be sure to clearly state the potential issue you are warning against, avoiding vagueness. Consider alternatives such as ""be aware that"" or ""you should know that"" for slightly less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aware that

Similar in meaning, but slightly less forceful in its warning.

you should know that

Directly informs someone of something important or cautionary.

bear in mind that

Advises the listener or reader to remember or consider something.

take heed that

More formal and emphatic, urging careful attention to what follows.

it should be noted that

Emphasizes the importance of the information being presented.

let it be known that

A more formal and authoritative way of issuing a warning or announcement.

mind you

Used to introduce a qualification or cautionary remark.

heads up

An informal way to give a warning.

forewarned is forearmed

An idiomatic expression advising that knowing something in advance prepares you for it.

mark my words

Used to emphasize a warning or prediction, suggesting the speaker is confident in their statement.

FAQs

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

"Be warned that" is typically followed by a clause explaining the potential danger or negative consequence. For example, "Be warned that the road ahead is icy" or "Be warned that unauthorized access is prohibited".

What's a less formal alternative to "be warned that"?

For less formal situations, you could use alternatives like "you should know that" or "be aware that". The phrase "heads up" is also a very informal option.

Is it correct to say "being warned that" instead of "be warned that"?

While "being warned that" is grammatically correct, it changes the emphasis. "Be warned that" is a direct imperative, giving a warning. "Being warned that" describes the state of receiving a warning. The former is much more common and direct in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "be warned that"?

"Be warned that" is appropriate when you need to alert someone to a potential danger, risk, or negative outcome. It's a useful phrase in situations where clarity and directness are important, like in instructions, safety notices, or cautionary advice.