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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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consider yourself warned

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

Huffington Post

So consider yourself warned.

News & Media

The New York Times

Greenpoint, consider yourself warned.

News & Media

The New York Times

Consider yourself warned.

News & Media

The New York Times

But consider yourself warned.

News & Media

The New York Times

Well, reader, consider yourself warned.

If not, consider yourself warned.

— Maria Newman Bon Appétit: Consider yourself warned.

News & Media

The New York Times

As for you, Ireland, consider yourself warned.

News & Media

The New York Times

British film industry, consider yourself warned.

Consider yourself warned against any such absolutist diet.

Show more...

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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: