urgent warning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "urgent warning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when conveying a time-sensitive or critical alert that requires immediate attention. For example, "The weather service issued an urgent warning about the approaching storm." Alternative expressions include "immediate alert" and "critical notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That led the police to issue "an urgent warning to visitors to be on their guard".

The New York Times

Kent police issued an urgent warning for drivers to stay away from the Folkestone and Dover areas of the M20.

The Guardian

He said that she should remain at home unless an urgent warning — a series of intermittent blasts of the siren — was sounded.

The New Yorker

WASHINGTON — Newt Gingrich had an urgent warning for conservatives: Jim Wright, the Democratic speaker of the House, was out to destroy America.

The New York Times

Representative Parker Griffith, Republican of Alabama and a medical doctor, responded to the president's address by delivering an urgent warning about the health care legislation.

The New York Times

He is wise to heed the experts' report as an urgent warning that far tighter controls for horse safety are needed to prevent further compromise of racing's integrity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The report's urgent warnings and its message of hope could not be more timely.

The New York Times

Privately, that fateful evening, Giuliani phoned urgent warnings to relatives, friends and colleagues.

The Guardian

Where were the urgent warnings, the urgent action required to defend this country from a pressing threat?

The Guardian

On Sunday, emergency officials issued urgent warnings: Evacuate now or risk everything.

The New York Times

Sudden changes in activity and movement can cause sudden heart-rhythm fluctuations, triggering urgent warnings.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "urgent warning", ensure that the context clearly conveys the need for immediate action or attention. Provide specific details about the potential threat or risk to enhance the impact of the warning.

Common error

Avoid using "urgent warning" too frequently, as this can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely require immediate attention to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urgent warning" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "urgent" modifies "warning" to emphasize the immediacy and importance of the message. Ludwig examples showcase its role in conveying critical information requiring prompt attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urgent warning" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that serves to alert and inform about immediate dangers. Ludwig's analysis shows it's most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Science and Academic contexts. The phrase's neutral to formal register depends on the source, conveying a sense of seriousness. While "urgent warning" is valuable, overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "immediate alert" or "critical alert" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate alert

Focuses on the speed and directness of the alert.

critical alert

Emphasizes the severity and potential impact of the alert.

pressing caution

Highlights the importance of proceeding carefully due to potential risks.

serious advisory

Conveys a formal notification regarding a significant matter.

dire prediction

Focuses on a pessimistic forecast about future events.

acute alarm

Emphasizes the sudden and intense feeling of danger or concern.

grave warning

Stresses the solemn and potentially life-threatening nature of the warning.

compelling caution

Highlights the necessity and forcefulness behind the need for caution.

high-priority alert

Indicates the significance and urgency of the alert in terms of resource allocation.

time-sensitive heads-up

Implies the information is relevant and has a short window of opportunity.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "urgent warning", clearly state the source of the warning and the potential danger. For example, "The National Weather Service issued an "urgent warning" about the approaching hurricane".

What are some alternatives to "urgent warning"?

Alternatives include "immediate alert", "critical alert", or "pressing caution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can find more options "here", "here" and "here".

Is "urgent warning" too dramatic for professional communication?

While "urgent warning" is suitable for many professional contexts, consider the audience and situation. In some cases, a more measured phrase like "serious advisory" may be more appropriate. If you are unsure, try "serious advisory" instead.

What's the difference between "urgent warning" and "general advisory"?

"Urgent warning" implies an immediate threat requiring immediate action, while "general advisory" indicates potential risks that require awareness and caution but not necessarily immediate action. The urgency is the key distinction.