implicit warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implicit warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a suggestion or indication of danger or caution that is not explicitly stated but is understood. Example: "The sudden change in his tone served as an implicit warning that the conversation was taking a serious turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Bidders ignored that implicit warning and sent the Egyptian carpet climbing to $785,000.

The New York Times - Arts

Their celebratory gunfire and wild bravado carry an implicit warning: if you don't give us a place at the top table, we will use our power to disrupt.

The Economist

Inclusion on the grey list carries an implicit warning that a country risks ending up on the FATF's notorious "black list" unless it makes progress.

The Economist

It's an implicit warning about the dangers of unregulated gun ownership and the power and increasingly apocalyptic tone of Second Amendment fundamentalists.

The New York Times - Arts

The agencies coupled their appeal with an implicit warning that they would soon be forced to drastically reduce their work in the country.

The New York Times

"Just like on the Titanic, not even the first-class passengers will be saved," he added, an implicit warning to wealthier euro zone countries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But more implicit warnings may be expressed in descriptions of behaviour, of how somebody changed, of signs that love could, is about to, or has gone wrong.

The Guardian - Music

It found that more than 80 percent of them had been approached with potentially fraudulent offers and that 40 percent of all respondents were unable to spot "classic red flags of fraud" — implicit warnings that they were in danger of being fleeced.

The New York Times

For almost everyone it features, life is reduced to mutual hatreds and unremitting regret, a catalogue of experiences that is mixed with implicit warnings of what crime-ridden fate now awaits stretches of the city.

Independent

Modest increases in America's Air Force and naval presence can reassure allies like Japan and South Korea while sending implicit warnings to China and North Korea, and diplomacy can make clear that China is welcome to join new regional trade arrangements, reducing the possibility that the relationship will become adversarial.

The New York Times

White also contains an implicit, and timely, warning: take care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "implicit warning" when you want to convey that a warning is not directly stated but is understood through context or implication. It's effective for describing subtle cues or signals.

Common error

While "implicit warning" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "veiled threat" or "tacit caution" for greater impact or clarity depending on what you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicit warning" functions as a noun phrase, where "implicit" modifies the noun "warning". It describes a type of warning that is not directly stated but is understood through context or implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a perfectly valid phrase, with the examples providing ample evidence of its natural usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "implicit warning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in news, scientific and encyclopedic contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a subtle or indirect indication of potential danger. Alternatives include "implied caution", "tacit caution", and "unspoken threat", offering nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When writing, consider the context and formality level, opting for stronger alternatives when directness is preferred. Use "implicit warning" to enhance precision and emphasize the understated nature of the warning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implied caution

Replaces "warning" with "caution", focusing on the element of care and prudence.

tacit caution

Substitutes "implicit" with "tacit", highlighting the unspoken nature of the warning.

unspoken threat

Shifts the focus to the potential danger, using "threat" instead of "warning".

veiled threat

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the threat, using "veiled" to indicate subtlety.

subtle indication of danger

Replaces "implicit warning" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the indirect communication of risk.

underlying caution

Emphasizes the fundamental, though not explicit, need for care.

indirect red flag

Uses the metaphor of a "red flag" to signal a problem, adding the "indirect" element.

coded message of alert

Focuses on the idea of a hidden signal conveying a warning.

mute alarm

Highlights the silent, yet present, nature of the warning.

discreet signal of risk

Highlights the carefully understated or subtle delivery of the warning.

FAQs

What does "implicit warning" mean?

An "implicit warning" is a subtle or indirect indication of potential danger or a negative consequence, understood from context rather than explicitly stated.

How to use "implicit warning" in a sentence?

You can use "implicit warning" to describe a situation where a message of caution is conveyed indirectly. For example: "His silence carried an "implicit warning" about the risks involved."

What can I say instead of "implicit warning"?

You can use alternatives like "implied caution", "tacit caution", or "unspoken threat" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "implicit warning" and "explicit warning"?

An "implicit warning" is suggested indirectly, while an "explicit warning" is stated directly and clearly.