heads-up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heads-up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to give someone a warning or advance notice about something. Example: "Just a heads-up, there will be a meeting tomorrow at 10 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I got no heads-up," she complained.

The New York Times

Here's your heads-up.

Huffington Post

3. Give the heads-up.

Huffington Post

Playing "heads-up.

WikiHow

Give people a heads-up.

WikiHow

Play heads-up with your lover.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Heads up, Sen. Grassley.

The New York Times

Heads up.

The New York Times

We kept our heads up".

The New York Times - Sports

Keep your heads up.

The New York Times

Heads up, ears forward.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heads-up" to provide a quick and informal warning or notification. It's suitable for emails, memos, or verbal communication where brevity is appreciated. For example, "Here's a "heads-up": the deadline has been moved to Friday."

Common error

Avoid using "heads-up" in highly formal or official contexts. While useful in casual communication, a more formal term like 'notice' or 'advisory' is more appropriate in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heads-up" functions primarily as a noun or adjective. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to provide a warning, notification, or advisory. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in giving advance notice or calling attention to something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heads-up" is a versatile term primarily used for giving warnings, notifications, or advisories. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and serves to alert someone about something important. While generally informal, as shown by Ludwig's examples from news and wiki sources, it is suitable for various communication channels. To avoid missteps, remember to reserve its use for casual exchanges and opt for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Consider using synonyms such as "alert" or "advance warning" for diverse communication requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alert

A concise term for calling attention to something important.

advance warning

This phrase specifies that the warning is given ahead of time.

warning

This term conveys a sense of potential danger or negative consequence.

preliminary notice

This alternative highlights the early or initial nature of the notification.

early notification

Focuses on the timing of the notification, indicating it is provided sooner rather than later.

notification

A general term for informing someone about something.

advisory

A more formal term for providing guidance or recommendations.

be aware

It is a more conversational alternative.

heads-up game

Focuses on the game, specifically in poker or other two-player scenarios.

heads up display

It refers to a technology to display information in your field of view, commonly used in gaming or fighter jets

FAQs

How can I use "heads-up" in a sentence?

You can use "heads-up" to give someone a warning or advance notice about something. For example, "Just a "heads-up", there will be a meeting tomorrow at 10 AM." or "Here's a "heads-up": the system will be down for maintenance tonight."

What can I say instead of "heads-up"?

You can use alternatives like "alert", "warning", or "notification" depending on the context.

What does "heads-up" mean in poker?

In poker, "heads-up" refers to a situation where only two players are competing against each other. It's a specific term used to describe a one-on-one game.

Is "heads-up" formal or informal?

"Heads-up" is generally considered an informal term. It's suitable for casual communication but may not be appropriate for formal or professional settings.