sound a warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound a warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when alerting someone about a potential danger or issue that requires attention. Example: "The meteorologist decided to sound a warning about the approaching storm to ensure everyone was prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Did no one sound a warning?

The Guardian - Opinion

They sound a warning about Russia's energy strategy—"superbundling".

The Economist

The words sound a warning to all consumers.

The New York Times

Even so, the sharp tick-up in corporate leverage ought to sound a warning to investors.

The Economist

Such promotions are common today in consumer product businesses, and the results should sound a warning.

Harvard Business Review

It was all she could do to keep from hustling over there to sound a warning.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Walker sounds a warning against the dangers of unbridled fanaticism, whether liberal or conservative in nature.

Los Angeles Times

The sound is a warning sound".

The Guardian

Doctors also sounded a warning about herbal products from Asia.

The New York Times

In Colorado, prominent politicians have sounded a warning.

The Guardian

This also sounds a warning about democracy in this country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sound a warning" when you want to formally or seriously alert someone about a potential danger, problem, or negative consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "sound a warning" in casual or informal settings. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "give a heads-up" or "let you know" when communicating informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound a warning" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to express the act of alerting someone to potential danger or a looming problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. Many examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in news and media, highlighting instances where experts or officials are alerting the public to risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sound a warning" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to alert someone to potential danger, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it serves the purpose of informing and cautioning about impending threats. While alternatives like "issue a warning" or "give a warning" exist, "sound a warning" carries a more formal and serious tone. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize the gravity of the potential consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue a warning

Replaces "sound" with "issue", focusing on the act of giving an official warning.

give a warning

Similar to "issue a warning", but emphasizes the act of providing a warning.

raise an alarm

Focuses on creating a sense of urgency and alerting people to immediate danger.

alert to the danger

Highlights the act of making someone aware of a specific danger.

caution against

Emphasizes advising someone to be careful or avoid something risky.

forewarn of

Stresses providing an advance warning about something negative that may happen.

signal a threat

Highlights the indication of a potential danger or harm.

flag a concern

Focuses on identifying and drawing attention to a particular issue or worry.

ring the alarm bells

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a strong warning about a serious problem.

point out the risks

Focuses on specifically identifying and explaining potential dangers.

FAQs

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

You can use "sound a warning" to express a need to alert others about potential danger. For example, "The scientist had to sound a warning about the approaching hurricane".

What can I say instead of "sound a warning"?

You can use alternatives like "issue a warning", "give a warning", or "raise an alarm" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "sound a warning" and "give a warning"?

"Sound a warning" often implies a more formal or urgent tone, whereas "give a warning" is more general. Both express the act of alerting someone, but "sound a warning" might suggest a louder, more emphatic announcement of danger.

When is it appropriate to use "sound a warning"?

It is most appropriate to use "sound a warning" in situations where there is a significant potential for harm or negative consequences, requiring a formal or serious alert. For example, "The economic indicators are starting to sound a warning about a possible recession".