blunt warning

USAGE SUMMARY

"blunt warning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is being warned or cautioned in a firm and direct manner. For example, "The manager issued a blunt warning to the employees that if they did not start meeting their deadlines, serious consequences would follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ayatollah's blunt warning differs from his past tendency to avoid increased pressure on Mr. Ahmadinejad.

The New York Times

"Hama" became a byword for the regime's ruthlessness and a blunt warning to potential opponents.

The New Yorker

8.26pm BST Bank of England governor issues blunt warning on 'unchecked market fundamentalism' Hello again.

The Guardian - Business

An officer was parked in a police car in front of the building, a blunt warning to unwelcome visitors.

The New York Times

America's deficitAlan Greenspan abandoned his characteristic style of indecipherable comment to give a blunt warning about America's current-account deficit.

The Economist

BINGHAM, Me. — The orange signs posted throughout Chet Hibbard's pharmacy here relay a blunt warning: We Do Not Stock OxyContin.

The New York Times

Lord Oakeshott, an irritant to the leadership and an adviser to the business secretary, Vince Cable, issued a blunt warning.

The Guardian

Earlier yesterday Interpol issued a blunt warning that "violent attacks on innocent people would follow" if the stunt went ahead.

The Guardian

Two years ago when he took over, he invited the city's biggest developers to a meeting and gave them a blunt warning.

The New York Times

The blunt warning came as Airbus announced that it had delivered a record 498 commercial planes in 2009, topping Boeing for another year.

The New York Times

The exterior is in Sydney and the interior is in Melbourne".A confidential state government report last year delivered a blunt warning about this legacy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blunt warning" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and leave no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "blunt warning" in situations requiring empathy or delicate communication. A softer approach might be more effective when dealing with personal issues or sensitive topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blunt warning" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "blunt" modifies the noun "warning". It is commonly used to describe a direct and forceful caution or piece of advice. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blunt warning" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a direct and forceful caution. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely employed in contexts where clarity and emphasis are paramount. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to unequivocally alert individuals to potential dangers or consequences. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure the direct tone is appropriate, as overuse in sensitive situations may be ineffective. Alternative phrases such as "direct caution" or "explicit admonition" may offer a more nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct caution

Replaces "warning" with "caution", implying a slightly milder form of alerting someone to potential danger or consequences.

explicit admonition

Substitutes "blunt" with "explicit" and "warning" with "admonition", suggesting a more formal and clear rebuke.

forceful caution

Similar to 'direct caution', but emphasizes the strength and intensity of the warning given.

unvarnished advice

Offers guidance in a straightforward and honest manner, without sugarcoating the truth.

stark warning

Replaces "blunt" with "stark", which emphasizes the harsh and bare nature of the warning.

straightforward notice

Uses "notice" instead of "warning", indicating a clear and simple communication of potential consequences.

unequivocal caution

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the caution being given.

frank admonishment

Uses "frank" to highlight the honesty and openness of the reprimand.

candid heads-up

Offers an honest and informal alert about a potential issue.

pointed caution

Highlights the specific and targeted nature of the caution.

FAQs

How can I use "blunt warning" in a sentence?

You can use "blunt warning" to describe a direct and forceful caution, such as: "The doctor issued a "blunt warning" about the dangers of smoking", or "The sign served as a "blunt warning" to trespassers".

What can I say instead of "blunt warning"?

Alternatives include "direct caution", "explicit admonition", or "stark warning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to give a "blunt warning" or a gentle one?

The appropriateness of a "blunt warning" depends on the situation. A "blunt warning" is suitable when clarity and directness are paramount, especially when potential consequences are severe. However, a gentler approach might be better in sensitive or personal contexts.

What's the difference between a "blunt warning" and "explicit warning"?

While both convey a clear message, a "blunt warning" emphasizes the direct and potentially harsh nature of the warning. An "explicit warning" focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the message.