fair warning

USAGE SUMMARY

"fair warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to caution someone that something bad could happen if they do not take care or act responsibly. For example, "My teacher gave me fair warning that if I didn't turn in my assignment on time, I'd get a zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fair warning.

Forbes

Consider this fair warning.

The New York Times

E'en so, fair warning.

The New York Times

Fair warning, Amsterdam chefs.

The New York Times - Food

A fair warning.

The New York Times - Books

That's fair warning.

The New York Times - Food

Please regard this paragraph as fair warning.

The New Yorker

"Fair warning now," Mr. Redden said.

The New York Times

Fair warning: They may make you cringe.

The New York Times

Fair warning: ambrosia doesn't come cheap.

The New Yorker

UNIONS have given America fair warning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fair warning" to clearly signal an upcoming potential negative consequence, ensuring the recipient has time to prepare or adjust their actions.

Common error

While "fair warning" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "be forewarned" or "take heed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair warning" functions primarily as an interjection or introductory phrase used to alert someone about potential negative consequences or risks associated with a particular action or situation. It serves to preface a cautionary statement, as Ludwig highlights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair warning" is a commonly used phrase that serves to alert individuals to potential risks or negative outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into numerous contexts from news reporting to professional advice. Its function is to provide advance notice, empowering people to prepare for or avoid undesirable situations. While generally neutral in tone, writers should adjust their language based on the formality required by the audience, swapping in phrases like "advance notice" or "be forewarned" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consider yourself warned

A direct and sometimes assertive way to state that a warning has been given.

Be forewarned

Highlights the importance of being prepared due to the warning.

Advance notice

Focuses on the timing of the warning, emphasizing that it's provided beforehand.

You've been told

Emphasizes that the recipient has received the warning and is now accountable.

Heads up

An informal way to give a friendly warning, often used in casual settings.

Mark my words

Adds emphasis to the warning, suggesting it's crucial to remember.

Caveat emptor

A Latin phrase meaning "let the buyer beware", placing responsibility on the recipient.

A word to the wise

Implies that those who are intelligent will understand and heed the warning.

Take heed

A formal expression that urges someone to pay attention to a warning.

Let the record show

Suggests that the warning is being formally documented.

FAQs

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

You can use "fair warning" to introduce a cautionary statement. For example, "Fair warning: this review contains spoilers" or "I'm giving you "fair warning", this task is more difficult than it looks."

What's a more formal alternative to "fair warning"?

If you need a more formal phrasing, consider using "be forewarned" or "let the buyer beware". These alternatives provide a similar caution but with a more serious tone.

Is "fair warning" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "fair warning" is suitable for many professional contexts, especially when delivering constructive feedback or setting expectations. However, consider your audience and the situation; a more formal option like "advance notice" may be preferable in certain scenarios.

Can "fair warning" be used in legal documents?

While the term "fair warning" is generally understood, legal documents often require precise and unambiguous language. Consider using more specific terms such as "due notice" or "prior notification" to ensure clarity and legal sufficiency.