prior warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a warning was given before a certain event or action took place. Example: "The company issued a prior warning about the potential layoffs, allowing employees to prepare for the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

With prior warning many of those lives could have been saved.

The Guardian

Bougnaoui, who had worked for Micropole for a year, was fired without prior warning.

The Guardian

He wants to make it illegal for newspapers to publish details of people's private lives without giving them prior warning.

Independent

If it has no prior warning it may well decline genuine transactions or block the card if it detects "unusual activity".

The Guardian - Money

All had prior warning signs.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

No prior warning is given.

The Guardian

Clear prior warning should have been given.

The New York Times

"There was no prior warning or anything like that.

Independent

Their families and lawyers received no prior warning.

The Economist

There was no prior warning nor any immediate claim of responsibility.

The New York Times

Four tables have been taken away by the municipal police – without prior warning, according to Papatya.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, clearly state the source and reliability of the "prior warning" to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "prior warning" without specifying who provided the warning or the basis for it. Always provide context to ensure the warning is understandable and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior warning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of giving notification or caution before something happens. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior warning" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to indicate that a warning was issued before an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "advance notice" or "forewarning" exist, the key is to ensure clarity and specify the source and context of the warning for maximum impact. Avoiding vague attributions is crucial for effective communication. Overall, "prior warning" serves to communicate that caution or notification was provided ahead of time, enabling preparation or mitigation efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance notice

Focuses on the timeliness of the notification.

early alert

Emphasizes the promptness of the warning.

forewarning

Highlights the act of warning in advance.

previous notification

Stresses the fact that notification has been done previously.

preliminary caution

Refers to the cautious tone of the warning given in advance.

early sign

Indicates an initial signal or indication of something to come.

advance indication

Implies a preliminary hint or clue.

heads-up

Informal term for a warning or alert.

premonition

Suggests an intuitive feeling or sense of something about to happen.

ominous sign

Highlights a negative signal of something bad to come.

FAQs

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

You can use "prior warning" to indicate that a warning was given before a specific event. For example, "The company issued a prior warning about the potential layoffs".

What are some alternatives to "prior warning"?

Some alternatives include "advance notice", "early alert", or "forewarning", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "prior warning" and "advanced warning"?

"Prior warning" and "advanced warning" are largely interchangeable, both indicating a warning given ahead of time. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

Is it always necessary to provide a "prior warning"?

While not always legally required, providing a "prior warning" is often ethical and practical, especially when actions could significantly impact others. It allows individuals or organizations to prepare and mitigate potential negative effects.