just warning

USAGE SUMMARY

'just warning' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide someone with a warning that something might not turn out as expected. For example, "I'm just warning you, the exam might be a lot harder than you think."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is unclear if the result will be a "currency war," as Brazil's finance minister recently warned, or if these are just warning shots, fired to force Beijing's leadership to make good on years of promises that it would allow the value of its currency to appreciate.

The New York Times

"I'm just warning you.

The New Yorker

I'm just warning, is all.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's so hot!" I'm just warning you that he is there.

The New York Times

I am just warning you that it's not always those who smile at us who are our friends.

The Guardian

Just before taking off, the boy's father stood up from a few aisles away and mentioned casually to me, "Just warning you.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Just warnings that I can take care of before they lead to real failure.

Huffington Post

There was no easy answer, just warnings that a rent strike is something you can't rush into.

Vice

And Royal Lytham professional Eddie Birchenough admitted that the rough on the championship course was "just brutal", warning "you could lose your feet in there, not just the ball".

BBC

One character had just been warning another not to go outside because it was dangerous.

The Guardian

The supply shortage — and the extreme measures taken to address it — was just one warning sign of TransCare's demise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just warning" to soften potentially negative information or to indicate that you are providing a friendly caution rather than a harsh criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "just warning" excessively, as it can diminish the impact of your warnings or sound condescending. Consider stronger or more direct language when the situation requires a serious warning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just warning" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier providing a preliminary caution or heads-up. It softens the impending information, signaling a friendly warning rather than a harsh reprimand. This is supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just warning" is a commonly used phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier to deliver a preliminary caution. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. The phrase serves to inform while managing expectations, softening the impact of potential negative information. Although generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overuse and consider stronger alternatives when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply a warning

Replaces "just" with "simply", slightly emphasizing the straightforward nature of the warning.

merely a warning

Substitutes "just" with "merely", suggesting the warning is nothing more than a basic caution.

only a warning

Replaces "just" with "only", implying that the warning is the sole action being taken.

offering a warning

Replaces the adjective with a verb, focusing on the act of giving a warning.

giving fair warning

Adds "fair" to emphasize the justness or appropriateness of the warning.

offering advance warning

Adds "advance" to highlight that the warning is provided ahead of time.

forewarning you

Uses a single verb to directly state the act of warning someone in advance.

putting you on notice

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal idiom indicating a warning.

tipping you off

Uses an informal idiom to convey a secret or private warning.

a word to the wise

Employs a proverbial phrase to deliver a subtle warning or advice.

FAQs

How can I use "just warning" in a sentence?

You can use "just warning" to preface a potential problem or issue, such as, "I'm "just warning" you, the traffic is terrible during rush hour".

What's a more formal alternative to "just warning"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I must advise you that", "Please be aware that", or "It is important to note that".

Is "just warning" appropriate in professional emails?

While generally acceptable, consider the recipient and context. In some cases, a more direct or professional phrasing might be better. Use phrases like "Please note" or "Kindly be advised" instead.

What is the difference between "just warning" and "fair warning"?

"Just warning" implies a friendly heads-up, whereas "fair warning" suggests a more serious or consequential caution, often implying potential negative outcomes.