pointed warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pointed warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warning that is direct, clear, and intended to draw attention to a serious issue or potential danger. Example: "The manager issued a pointed warning to the team about the consequences of missing deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Mr. Amir, the butcher, did vote, but left with a pointed warning.

The New York Times

Two men, their faces and bodies painted red, raised bows and arrows as a pointed warning to the intruder.

The New York Times

Tony Abbott has issued a pointed warning to his frontbench: stop leaking on internal processes and focus on party policy.

The Guardian

In a similarly pointed warning, in May, Turkish fighter jets chased Israeli warplanes from what Ankara said was Turkish airspace just north of Cyprus.

The New York Times

In what appeared to be a pointed warning to Sports Direct and Ashley, Boles added: "I don't care how famous an employer is.

The Guardian - Business

Barnas issued a pointed warning to the Australian government about the consequences of paying crews of boats to return to Indonesia.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He financed political parties and ignored increasingly pointed warnings from Mr. Putin's associates.

The New York Times

And he did all this while squeezing costs.HP is now struggling to fill not one but two top positions: Mr Hurd doubled as chief executive and chairman (despite pointed warnings from corporate reformers).

The Economist

On Friday, the mayor told his aides to find ways to emphasize the seriousness of the storm, worrying aloud that it would require pointed warnings to persuade New Yorkers that the threat was real.

The New York Times

That meticulously legal language did not disguise a thorny political and foreign policy problem for Mr. Obama: he has long resisted the calls to arm the Syrian rebels and has expressed deep doubts about the wisdom of intervening in an Arab nation so riven with sectarian strife, although he has also issued pointed warnings to Syria.

The New York Times

The debt woes of Greece have been well-documented, but recent reports from firms that track sovereign credit default swaps have also pointed to warning signs on Portugal, Spain and France.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "pointed warning", ensure that the context aligns with the severity of the caution. Avoid using it in trivial situations, as it can sound overly dramatic or alarmist.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "pointed warning". While it's effective in conveying urgency, frequent use can diminish its impact. Opt for alternative expressions like "clear caution" or "direct admonition" to maintain the weight of your warnings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointed warning" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb, such as "issue", "give", or "receive". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. The word "pointed" acts as an adjective, modifying the noun "warning".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pointed warning" is a phrase used to convey a clear and direct cautionary message, often in formal or professional contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. This phrase is primarily found in news and media, as well as in formal business communications, with a neutral to professional register. It serves to underscore the importance and urgency of the information being conveyed. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases such as "clear caution" or "direct admonition" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear caution

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the warning.

serious caution

Emphasizes the significant and potentially severe nature of the warning.

explicit caution

Emphasizes clarity and directness in expressing a warning.

explicit alert

Conveys the message in a clear and precise manner, leaving no room for interpretation.

blunt caution

Indicates a frank and straightforward warning.

direct admonition

Focuses on the act of reprimanding or advising firmly.

strong admonition

Indicates a forceful and authoritative warning.

stark warning

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences.

firm alert

Highlights the resolute and unwavering nature of the warning.

unequivocal alert

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the warning signal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pointed warning" in a sentence?

Use "pointed warning" to introduce a serious caution or advice, ensuring the gravity of the situation is understood. For example, "The doctor issued a "pointed warning" about the risks of ignoring the symptoms."

What are some alternatives to "pointed warning"?

You can use alternatives like "explicit caution", "direct admonition", or "clear caution" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "pointed warning" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "pointed warning" is generally more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, a more casual expression like "fair warning" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "pointed warning" and "implied warning"?

"Pointed warning" is direct and explicit, whereas an "implied warning" is indirect and requires the recipient to infer the potential danger or consequences. A "pointed warning" leaves no room for misinterpretation, while an implied one does.