to be warned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be warned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone should be cautious or aware of a potential danger or issue. Example: "You should be careful when approaching the edge of the cliff; it's important to be warned about the risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One example is the development of a methodology to immediately judge the region to be warned of large shakings (hereafter, warning region) based on the observed strong ground motions (Nakamura et al. 2014).

Earth, Planets and Space

Why? A: Your reader has to be warned, like those FBI warnings on videotapes.

Los Angeles Times

Nothing to be warned about.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We need to be warned.

The New York Times - Health

They ought to be warned".

The Guardian - Books

He may have to be warned off".

The Guardian

They need to be warned what to expect.

Independent

It is as well to be warned about all this.

The Guardian - Books

Customers to be warned by text when they go overdrawn.

The Guardian - Business

But there's one other complication that you've got to be warned about, which is this.

Yale University

Players and their families need to be warned in plain language about the risks involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be warned", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential danger or issue is. Providing specific details enhances the effectiveness of the warning.

Common error

Avoid using "to be warned" excessively in passive constructions, as it can weaken the impact of your writing. Consider using active voice alternatives such as "someone must warn" or "they should advise" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be warned" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating the state of needing to receive a warning or caution about something. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used when someone needs to be made aware of a potential danger or risk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be warned" is a passive infinitive used to express the necessity of caution or awareness regarding a potential danger or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. It is crucial to ensure the context clearly identifies the risk and to avoid overuse in passive constructions for clearer writing. Alternatives such as "to be cautioned" or "to be alerted" can provide slight variations in meaning, while "to be informed" offers a more neutral alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be forewarned

Implies advanced warning, allowing preparation for something anticipated.

to be cautioned

Uses a synonym that also indicates a necessity for caution but may imply a milder level of concern.

to be advised

Implies receiving formal or professional advice about a potential situation.

to be alerted

Emphasizes the act of being made aware of something, potentially urgent or important.

to receive a warning

Focuses on the act of receiving, rather than the state of being in a condition where warning is necessary.

to be made aware

Focuses on the gaining of knowledge about something important.

to be given notice

More formal and emphasizes the provision of information or an alert.

to be informed

Highlights the act of receiving information, often in a neutral or official context.

to have one's attention drawn to

A more indirect way of saying that someone should be aware of something.

to be clued in

Informal and suggests being given insider knowledge or information.

FAQs

How can I use "to be warned" in a sentence?

You can use "to be warned" to indicate that someone should be cautious or made aware of a potential danger or issue. For example, "Travelers need "to be warned" about potential health risks in certain regions."

What is a more formal way to say "to be warned"?

A more formal alternative to "to be warned" is "to be apprised", which suggests receiving official or important information.

What is the difference between "to be warned" and "to be informed"?

"To be warned" implies a potential danger or negative consequence, while "to be informed" simply means receiving information without necessarily indicating risk.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be warned"?

Use "to be warned" when you want to emphasize the need for caution or awareness regarding a possible threat or problem. It's suitable in contexts where preventing a negative outcome is crucial.