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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
consider yourself warned
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "consider yourself warned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inform someone that they should be aware of a potential consequence or danger related to their actions. Example: "If you continue to ignore the rules, consider yourself warned about the possible penalties."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
I started reading that evening and got as far as a scene about seventy pages in where -- this almost certainly isn't worth warning as a spoiler, but... Consider yourself warned.
News & Media
So consider yourself warned.
News & Media
Greenpoint, consider yourself warned.
News & Media
Consider yourself warned.
News & Media
But consider yourself warned.
News & Media
Well, reader, consider yourself warned.
News & Media
If not, consider yourself warned.
News & Media
— Maria Newman Bon Appétit: Consider yourself warned.
News & Media
As for you, Ireland, consider yourself warned.
News & Media
British film industry, consider yourself warned.
News & Media
Consider yourself warned against any such absolutist diet.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "consider yourself warned" when you want to deliver a direct but not overly aggressive warning. It's suitable for situations where the consequences are clear but not necessarily severe.
Common error
Avoid using "consider yourself warned" too frequently, as it can lose its impact and sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "be forewarned" or "take heed".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "consider yourself warned" functions as an idiomatic expression used to deliver a warning. As supported by Ludwig, it is frequently employed to alert someone about potential consequences or dangers associated with their actions or a given situation.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "consider yourself warned" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to issue a warning or caution. Ludwig confirms its frequent use in news and media, where it serves to alert audiences to potential risks or consequences. While versatile, the phrase may be too informal for certain academic or highly formal contexts. Alternatives such as "be forewarned" or "take heed" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the desired tone to ensure effective communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Be forewarned
Emphasizes prior knowledge of a potential negative outcome.
You've been cautioned
Highlights the act of giving a warning, often implying potential consequences.
Consider this a heads-up
Offers a friendly warning or advance notice.
Take heed
A more formal way of advising someone to pay attention to a warning.
Let the buyer beware
Specifically warns about potential risks in a transaction.
Bear in mind
Reminds someone to consider something important, often a potential drawback.
Keep in mind
Advises to remember and consider a particular factor.
Mark my words
Implies confidence in a prediction, often of something negative.
A word to the wise
Suggests that a subtle hint is sufficient for an intelligent person to understand the potential danger.
Mind you
Introduces a qualification or warning to something previously said.
FAQs
How can I use "consider yourself warned" in a sentence?
You can use "consider yourself warned" to alert someone about a potential negative outcome or consequence. For example, "If you continue to violate the policy, "consider yourself warned"."
What's the difference between "consider yourself warned" and "you have been warned"?
"Consider yourself warned" is a more direct and slightly informal way of saying "you have been warned". The latter, "you have been warned", is a bit more formal and can sound more severe.
What can I say instead of "consider yourself warned"?
You can use alternatives like "be forewarned", "take heed", or "you've been cautioned" depending on the context.
Is "consider yourself warned" appropriate for formal writing?
While "consider yourself warned" is widely understood, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. In those contexts, using alternatives like "be advised" or "take note" might be more suitable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested