cautionary call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautionary call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a warning or alert about a potential risk or danger. Example: "The environmental report served as a cautionary call for policymakers to take immediate action against climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I applaud Mr. Macaulay's piece, which celebrates the joys of live music in dance performances and offers a cautionary call to arms in anticipation of the decreasing use of live music in these economically challenging times.

The New York Times

It is, Isak will later explain, a cautionary call meaning a monitor lizard is nearby.

Huffington Post

Brooks' argument for the establishment of intellectual foundations to our efforts toward protestation echoes Confucius cautionary call for knowledge and thought to go hand in hand.

Huffington Post

Thirteen months, 173 messages, two bans from TripAdvisor, one cautionary call from TripAdvisor's PR, two new profiles and one heated argument in London's most expensive restaurant later, and that idea has finally become a reality.

Vice

Thirteen months, 173 messages, two bans from TripAdvisor, one cautionary call from TripAdvisor's PR, two new profiles, and one heated argument in London's most expensive restaurant later; that idea has finally become a reality.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These brief examples are just cautionary call-outs to consider as a large part of our knowledge base moves online.

Huffington Post

Sun's shares rose $1.19, to $20.81, in trading on the Nasdaq yesterday before the company's cautionary conference call with analysts.

The New York Times

The Oscar-winning director Jessica Yu led "a small team of scavenger hunters" when she made the cautionary "Last Call at the Oasis" (2011), which was saturated with clips related to global drought.

The New York Times

Beyond that, it transformed "information" from a term associated with requests to telephone operators to an intellectual buzzword, bandied about so loosely that Shannon was moved to write a gently cautionary note called "The Bandwagon".

The New York Times - Books

Every Finnish home has got a print of this cautionary painting called "Raking And Cleaning Fail".

Huffington Post

The problem is that director Hwang Dong-Hyuk goes to such wretched lengths to sensationalize the depictions of the crimes — lingering on the testimony of the children as they describe what was done to them with parallel reenactments — that "Silenced" is not a cautionary wake-up call but a sadistic, unsavory document.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cautionary call" when you want to emphasize a warning that encourages careful consideration rather than immediate alarm. It's suitable for situations where measured action is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "cautionary call" in contexts that require immediate action or express extreme danger. Opt for stronger terms like "urgent warning" or "imminent threat" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautionary call" functions as a noun phrase that describes a warning or alert intended to prompt careful consideration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in various contexts, such as environmental reports and artistic expressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.02%

Reference

0.01%

Social Media

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cautionary call" is a noun phrase used to describe a warning or alert that prompts careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While not overly frequent, "cautionary call" appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general media. Alternatives include "warning signal" and "advisory notice", offering similar meanings but varying in formality and intensity. When using "cautionary call", ensure it aligns with the urgency of the situation and avoid overusing it in cases requiring immediate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning signal

More direct and immediate than "cautionary call".

advisory notice

More formal and official than "cautionary call".

alert

A simple and straightforward warning.

early warning

Emphasizes the timeliness of the warning.

wake-up call

Suggests a need for significant change or action.

red flag

Indicates a potential problem or danger.

forewarning

A warning given in advance.

word of caution

A gentle warning or piece of advice.

call for vigilance

Highlights the need for continuous monitoring and alertness.

danger sign

A clear indication of potential harm.

FAQs

How can I use "cautionary call" in a sentence?

You can use "cautionary call" to describe a warning or alert about a potential risk. For example: "The report served as a cautionary call for the industry to adopt safer practices."

What are some alternatives to "cautionary call"?

You can use alternatives like "warning signal", "advisory notice", or "wake-up call" depending on the context.

Is "cautionary call" formal or informal?

"Cautionary call" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards a more neutral tone. Consider your audience and the specific message you want to convey when choosing between "cautionary call" and other alternatives.

What's the difference between a "cautionary call" and a "wake-up call"?

A "cautionary call" is a warning to be careful, while a "wake-up call" implies a need for significant change or action due to a previously ignored issue.