tone of warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tone of warning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that someone should take precaution in view of a potentially dangerous situation. For example, "The speaker's words had a tone of warning, cautioning the audience to prepare for the storm ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Krakauer's book never wavers from its stern tone of warning, offering constant reminders of the deadly and unforgiving power of nature, and of the limits of human agency.

The New Yorker

A recent poem by her, "A Patient Old Cripple," makes a beautiful counterpoint to the earlier, blustering tone of "Warning" with its final lines: "I curse the world that blunders into me, and hurts / But know / Its bad fit is the best that we can do".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was off work for three weeks, returning in August 2007 to find a letter from the bank's compliance managing director, which was unrelenting in its tone and words of warning.

The Guardian

Dr. Dean's advisers are wary of warning him to tone it down because they think the perception that he does not calibrate his comments is part of what fuels his popularity.

The New York Times

One word of warning.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I love songs of warning.

The New York Times

A word of warning.

BBC

One final word of warning.

BBC

In his speech, which opened this year's legislative session, Governor Rowland set a tone of fiscal restraint, warning lawmakers to whittle down their wish lists.

The New York Times

Allen sensed that the tone of the warnings was serious.

The New York Times - Sports

Each trial began with an 800 Hz, 100 ms tone, warning participants to get ready.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tone of warning", ensure the context provides enough detail to understand the specific danger or problem being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "tone of warning" excessively. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic or alarmist. Instead, use it sparingly to emphasize truly significant concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tone of warning" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the manner in which a warning is conveyed. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it suggests a need for precaution. Examples from Ludwig show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tone of warning" is a descriptor used to convey caution or potential danger. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for emphasizing the need for precaution. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. To enhance your writing, use it sparingly to avoid sounding overly alarmist. Consider alternatives like "cautionary tone" or "note of caution" depending on the specific nuance you want to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

word of caution

Similar to 'note of caution' but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

cautionary tone

Emphasizes the advisory nature of the warning.

admonitory tone

Highlights the act of advising or cautioning someone.

warning signal

Focuses on the communication of an impending threat.

note of caution

Indicates a mild warning or expression of doubt.

ominous sign

Implies a portent of bad things to come.

premonitory feeling

Suggests an intuitive sense of something bad about to happen.

alarm bell

Highlights a sudden awareness of danger.

red flag

Indicates a clear signal of a problem.

air of foreboding

Conveys an atmosphere filled with a sense of impending doom.

FAQs

How can I use "tone of warning" in a sentence?

You can use "tone of warning" to describe someone's speech or writing when they are trying to alert others about potential danger. For example, "The doctor spoke with a "cautionary tone", warning about the risks of the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "tone of warning"?

Some alternatives include "cautionary tone", "admonitory tone", or "note of caution". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state a "tone of warning"?

No, sometimes the warning is implicit in the content itself. However, explicitly stating the "tone of warning" can emphasize the importance of the message, particularly when the potential consequences are severe.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tone of warning"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "tone of warning" when you want to emphasize the cautious or alarming nature of a message. This is especially relevant in situations where potential risks or dangers need to be highlighted.