hard warning

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard warning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to express a stern warning to someone, or to describe a warning that carries serious consequences. Example sentence: "The teacher gave us a hard warning that students who do not turn in their essays on time will receive a zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He also remembered how Brando had told him not to work so hard, warning him he "would run out of characters" if he continued making so many movies.

Independent

Even the precise 6-point turn ratings have now been replaced by a simpler "easy, medium or hard" warning from your co-driver.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a hard warning to heed for a track that brings to mind disco's golden era.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Santorum has hit this theme the hardest, warning that conservative Christians must not be fooled by the president's efforts to play the neutral statesman who treats all believers equally.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the NWS also issued a "hard freeze warning" for large parts of the Midwest, and freeze warnings for the west coast.

Independent

You don't look as hard for warning signs".

The New York Times

Some Democrats argued that Mr. Brown had to hit hard in warning about what would be cut if the tax extensions were not enacted.

The New York Times

But the IMF has taken an equally hard line, warning last month that, without an "explicit and concrete agreement" on debt relief, the fund will not participate in a new bailout.

The Guardian

"I need it all: the money, the fame, the cars, the clothes," Rihanna sings in "Hard," a warning to would-be rivals that also insists, "No pain is forever -- yup, you noticed".

The New York Times

And if Gore supporters said they would miss the caucuses because they had to attend a child's basketball game or swim meet, the callers turned on the hard sell, warning that missing the caucuses was tantamount to voting against Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

I remember how our complacent C.I.A. misled the elder Bush's administration before the Kuwait invasion, deriding hard-liners' warnings about Saddam's weaponry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard warning", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity or potential consequences being cautioned against. The adjective "hard" emphasizes the seriousness and impact of the warning.

Common error

Avoid using "hard warning" for trivial matters. Its strength is best reserved for situations where the consequences of ignoring the warning are significant. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

"Hard warning" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hard" modifies the noun "warning". It describes the type of warning being issued, emphasizing its severity or forcefulness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard warning" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid expression used to denote a serious and forceful caution. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to emphasize the potential consequences of ignoring the warning. While not extremely common, the phrase appears across various reputable sources, particularly in news and media. When employing "hard warning", ensure the context aligns with its serious tone, reserving it for situations where the implications of disregarding the advice are significant. Related phrases such as "stern warning" or "severe warning" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the specific emphasis needed. Remember that overuse can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stern warning

Emphasizes the serious and uncompromising nature of the warning.

severe warning

Stresses the intensity and potential consequences of ignoring the warning.

serious caution

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes if the warning is ignored.

strong admonition

Focuses on the authoritative and corrective aspect of the warning.

forceful caution

Highlights the strength and impact of the caution being given.

tough caution

Emphasizes the firmness and potentially unpleasant nature of the caution.

blunt warning

Implies the warning is direct and without softening language.

explicit warning

Suggests the warning is clear, detailed, and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

stark warning

Highlights the plain and unadorned nature of the warning, often indicating serious danger.

vehement warning

Implies the warning is delivered with great passion and conviction.

FAQs

What does "hard warning" mean?

A "hard warning" signifies a serious and forceful caution against a particular action or situation, highlighting potentially severe consequences if the warning is ignored.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hard warning"?

Use "hard warning" when the situation warrants a strong and direct caution, where failing to heed the "severe warning" could lead to significant negative outcomes.

Are there alternatives to saying "hard warning"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "stern warning", "serious caution", or "strong admonition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does a "hard warning" differ from a regular warning?

A "hard warning" implies a greater level of severity and urgency than a general warning, suggesting that the potential consequences of ignoring it are more significant or immediate.