heed the warning

USAGE SUMMARY

"heed the warning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to pay attention to or take notice of a warning. Example: The sign on the gate clearly said "Beware of Dog," but the children did not heed the warning and proceeded to climb over the fence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If a brand warns you that it won't stretch out, heed the warning and find your correct size, instead.

WikiHow

Let's heed the warning here.

The New York Times

Will we heed the warning?

The Guardian

Brown should heed the warning.

The Guardian - Opinion

De Blasio didn't heed the warning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not all companies heed the warning.

The New York Times - Tech

She did not heed the warning.

The New York Times

You must heed the warning that the doors are closing.

The New Yorker

But auction professionals would do well to heed the warning.

The New York Times - Arts

But aspiring writers would do well to heed the warning.

The Guardian - Books

"We're asking these people to heed the warning and leave".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heed the warning" when you want to emphasize the importance of paying attention to potential dangers or negative consequences. It is often used in situations where ignoring the advice could lead to problems.

Common error

While "heed the warning" is generally acceptable in most contexts, consider using a more direct phrase like "pay attention to the warning" in very informal settings. Retain "heed the warning" for situations where a degree of seriousness or formality is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heed the warning" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to pay close attention to a potential danger or instruction. It serves to emphasize the importance of the warning and the potential consequences of ignoring it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heed the warning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that advises paying attention to a potential danger or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academia, though it carries a slightly more formal tone. The phrase is best used to emphasize the importance of a warning and to prompt action to avoid negative consequences. Alternatives include "take notice of the warning" and "pay attention to the warning". When using "heed the warning", consider the level of formality and the seriousness of the situation. Ludwig's analysis provides valuable insights into the phrase's function, purpose, and register, enhancing its effective use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take heed of the warning

A more formal way of saying "heed the warning", carrying the same meaning.

take notice of the warning

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of the warning.

pay attention to the warning

Highlights the focus required to understand the warning.

listen to the warning

Focuses on actively hearing and considering the warning.

take the warning seriously

Stresses the importance of acknowledging the potential consequences.

mind the warning

Suggests being careful and attentive to the warning.

be mindful of the warning

Highlights the need to remain aware and cautious.

consider the warning

Emphasizes the act of thinking about the warning's implications.

acknowledge the warning

Focuses on recognizing the validity and importance of the warning.

obey the warning

Implies a direct instruction that needs to be followed to avoid negative consequences.

FAQs

How to use "heed the warning" in a sentence?

You can use "heed the warning" when you want to emphasize the importance of paying attention to a potential danger or instruction. For instance: "The sign was clear, but they didn't "take notice of the warning" and proceeded to climb the fence."

What can I say instead of "heed the warning"?

You can use alternatives like ""take notice of the warning"", "pay attention to the warning", or "listen to the warning" depending on the context.

Is "heed the warning" formal or informal?

"Heed the warning" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formality due to the verb "heed". More informal alternatives include phrases like "pay attention to the warning".

What's the difference between "heed the warning" and "ignore the warning"?

"Heed the warning" means to pay attention to and act upon a warning, while "ignore the warning" means to disregard it completely. They are antonyms, representing opposite actions in response to a cautionary message.