gave him a warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave him a warning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has been informed about the potential consequences of their behavior or actions. For example: "The teacher gave him a warning that if he continued to disrupt the class, he would receive an after-school detention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

His boss gave him a warning.

The New Yorker

His order summoned him to headquarters and gave him a warning but did not discipline him.

The New York Times

The policeman gave him a warning and sent him on his way.

The New Yorker

The Roman historian Quintus Curtius recounts Alexander's meeting with a delegation of Scythians who gave him a warning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shaw said the police officers gave him a warning before they left, leaving the group in the riverbed – a regular stage for such scenes – uninterrupted.

The Guardian

Mr. Haines immediately saw that the teenager was not a "bad apple" so he gave him a warning and promised to show him how to fish legally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The tribunal decided instead to give him a warning.

The New York Times - Sports

"They should have given him a warning of some kind".

The New York Times

Still, several Republicans again criticized the decision to give him a warning.

The New York Times

"I might give him a warning, but I would never come right out and fire him.

The New York Times

His shrink, Irving Renker, had given him a warning about the effects of leaching Celexa from his brain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "gave him a warning", ensure the context clearly indicates what the warning was about. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who issued the warning. Instead of "He was given a warning", opt for the active voice: "The officer gave him a warning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave him a warning" functions as a verbal phrase, where "gave" is the main verb, "him" is the indirect object, and "a warning" is the direct object. It describes the action of issuing a caution or admonishment to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave him a warning" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of issuing a caution to someone, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verbal phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news reports, encyclopedias, and informal communication. While it is most frequently encountered in news and media, it can also appear in other settings. Related phrases include "issued him a warning", "admonished him", and "cautioned him". When using the phrase, clarity is key to ensure the warning's context is well-understood. A common error is the overuse of passive voice, which can be avoided by opting for active constructions. Overall, it’s a versatile phrase for conveying a caution or admonishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issued him a warning

Replaces "gave" with "issued", providing a more formal tone.

admonished him

Replaces "gave him a warning" with a single verb meaning to warn or reprimand gently.

cautioned him

Replaces "gave him a warning" with a single verb indicating a warning about potential dangers or problems.

advised him against it

Focuses on the advisory aspect of the warning, suggesting a course of action to avoid.

put him on notice

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that someone has been warned about the consequences of their actions.

reprimanded him

Indicates a formal rebuke or scolding, stronger than a simple warning.

alerted him to the danger

Highlights the aspect of informing someone about a specific danger.

forewarned him

Emphasizes the act of warning someone in advance about something.

told him to be careful

Offers a more direct and simple way of conveying a warning.

counseled him

Suggests a more thoughtful and advisory warning, often regarding a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "gave him a warning" in a sentence?

You can use "gave him a warning" to describe an instance where someone received an official caution for an action. Example: "The police officer "gave him a warning" for speeding."

What's a more formal alternative to "gave him a warning"?

A more formal alternative would be "issued him a warning". This phrasing is often used in legal or official contexts. You could say, "The judge "issued him a warning" regarding his behavior in court."

Is it ever incorrect to say "gave him a warning"?

The phrase itself isn't incorrect, but context is everything. If the warning wasn't formally delivered, or if it was merely a suggestion, a different phrase might be more appropriate. For example, "advised him" or "cautioned him".

What's the difference between "gave him a warning" and "gave him a final warning"?

"Gave him a warning" indicates an initial caution. "Gave him a final warning" suggests this is the last opportunity to correct behavior before facing consequences. It implies a prior warning was already given.