have been warned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been warned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has received a warning about a particular situation or behavior, often implying that they should take it seriously. Example: "You have been warned about the consequences of ignoring the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have been warned.

The Guardian - Film

Ramen, you have been warned.

Independent

But we have been warned.

Independent

Ecuadorean men have been warned.

The Economist

The politicians have been warned.

The Economist

The do-nothings have been warned.

The Economist

Students out there: you have been warned.

Independent

Parents have been warned not to protest.

The Economist

You have been warned," the video says.

Independent

The "dominant classes" have been warned.

The Economist

We will have been warned, at least.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been warned", ensure the context clearly identifies who issued the warning and what the warning pertains to for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been warned" when the situation only involves advice or suggestions, as it implies a more serious and potentially negative consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been warned" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone has received a warning. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been warned" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that someone has received a warning, primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It serves to caution about potential consequences and establish accountability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the warning's source and subject. Alternatives like "have received a warning" or "were cautioned" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Avoid using the phrase lightly, reserving it for situations where genuine warnings are being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have received a warning

Replaces the passive voice construction with a more direct phrasing.

consider yourself warned

Directly addresses the recipient of the warning.

were cautioned

Highlights the act of advising caution.

were given notice

Emphasizes the act of giving a warning or notification.

have been alerted

Focuses on the state of being made aware of a potential danger or problem.

be advised

A formal way to introduce a warning or important piece of information.

are forewarned

A more formal and emphatic way of stating a warning.

take heed

Implies a strong suggestion to pay attention to the warning.

let the word go forth

A more grandiose way of issuing a warning or declaration.

you're skating on thin ice

An idiomatic expression indicating imminent danger or consequences.

FAQs

How to use "have been warned" in a sentence?

The phrase "have been warned" indicates that someone has received a caution about potential consequences. For example, "The students "have been warned" about the dangers of plagiarism."

What's the difference between "have been warned" and "have been advised"?

"Have been warned" implies a potential negative consequence if the warning is ignored, while "have been advised" simply means someone has received guidance or a recommendation.

What can I say instead of "have been warned"?

Alternatives include "have received a warning", "were cautioned", or "be advised", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to use "have been warned" in a formal context?

Yes, "have been warned" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when conveying serious warnings about potential risks or consequences. However, it's crucial to ensure that the tone aligns with the severity of the situation.