consider this a warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider this a warning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to alert someone about a potential issue or to indicate that their behavior is unacceptable. Example: "If you continue to ignore the rules, consider this a warning: further violations will result in consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Consider this a warning, Lidell: you're only a bad hat away from becoming Jay Kay.

The Guardian - Music

Consider this a warning to anyone who ever thought "What are you reading?" was a great pickup line.

The New Yorker

"Workers, employers and unions alike should consider this a warning that if they breach workplace laws, FWBC will not hesitate to enforce penalties imposed by the courts," Hadgkiss told the Australian.

The Guardian

Consider this a warning, Skype.

TechCrunch

This is of course in the spirit of the game (exploding heads and the like) but just consider this a warning.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Few saw this sci-fi film, but it's worth including if only because of how stunning the alien is when we finally see it (which is at the very end, so consider this a spoiler warning).

The Washington Post

For now, just consider this a fair warning.

Vice

I'll try to avoid divulging plot twists and the like, but consider this a SPOILER WARNING.

Huffington Post

If the trends don't seem familiar to you, consider this an advance warning to get someone onboard to help.

Huffington Post

Consider this an early warning sign, like the man bun was for the stock market last year, a canary in the coalmine of the global economy.

Huffington Post

Note: The interview is worksafe, but consider this a blanket NSFW warning for the links.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context is appropriate for a warning, as it can be perceived as confrontational or authoritative.

Common error

Avoid overusing "consider this a warning", as it can lose its impact and sound repetitive. Vary your language by using "take this as a warning" or "let this be a warning" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider this a warning" functions as an illocutionary act; it's a direct statement intended to serve as a caution against certain behaviors or actions. As Ludwig AI states, this expression serves to alert someone about a potential issue or indicate that their behavior is unacceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consider this a warning" serves as a direct and unambiguous way to alert someone to potential negative outcomes if they continue on a certain course. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is only "Uncommon", the expression finds its primary usage in "News & Media". When a gentler approach is required, alternatives such as "take note of this" may be preferable. Overuse can diminish its impact, making variety in expression desirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take this as a warning

Direct substitution of "consider" with "take".

Regard this as a warning

Replaces "consider" with "regard", maintaining a formal tone.

Let this be a warning to you

Adds a direct address, making the warning more personal.

You have been warned

A more concise and direct way of conveying the warning.

Be forewarned

A single word alternative that implies a warning.

This is your fair warning

Emphasizes the fairness of the warning being given.

Heed this warning

Replaces "consider" with "heed", urging attention.

Mark my words

A more emphatic way of delivering a warning, implying certainty about future events.

Bear this in mind

Subtler, suggesting careful consideration of a potential negative outcome.

Take note of this

Highlights the importance of paying attention to the potential consequences.

FAQs

What does "consider this a warning" mean?

It means to regard the current situation or statement as an alert to potential negative consequences if certain actions or behaviors continue.

When is it appropriate to use "consider this a warning"?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly communicate that further undesirable actions will result in specific, usually negative, outcomes. It's best used when you have the authority to enforce those outcomes.

How can I soften the tone of "consider this a warning"?

You can soften the tone by using alternatives such as "take note of this" or "bear this in mind" if a gentler approach is needed.

Are there more formal alternatives to "consider this a warning"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "regard this as a warning" or "let this serve as a caution" for a more formal tone.