verbal warning

USAGE SUMMARY

'verbal warning' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when someone is given a warning that is not documented in writing. Example sentence: The manager gave the employee a verbal warning for not following procedure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Verbal Discussion and Warning: The purpose of a verbal warning is to let the employee know that they are doing something that is not acceptable in the workplace.

WikiHow

He gives you a verbal warning — 'Taser!

The New Yorker

And what of forgiveness, or perhaps a verbal warning?

The New York Times

He was given a verbal warning and a warrant check.

The Guardian

No verbal warning was given to the students immediately prior to the time the guardsmen fired.

The New York Times

If a verbal warning does not work, he said, "you have the seeds of self-destruction".

The New York Times

"The Iranian aircraft departed after a verbal warning," Mr. Little said.

The New York Times

When police arrived they let the men go with a verbal warning.

The New York Times

So Officer Covino decided to let him off with a verbal warning.

The New York Times - Travel

One person's idea of a verbal warning could be another person's private word".

The Guardian

When drivers approach the hazard you marked, they receive a pop-up written alert and a verbal warning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations requiring immediate action, deliver the "verbal warning" clearly and concisely, ensuring the recipient understands the issue and the expected corrective action.

Common error

Ensure a "verbal warning" is clearly communicated as a formal warning, not just a casual discussion. Make sure the employee understands it is a step in a disciplinary process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal warning" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a type of warning that is communicated orally, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verbal warning" is a very common noun phrase used to describe an oral caution given to someone for a minor infraction or unacceptable behavior. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in contexts such as News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. Related phrases include "spoken caution" and "oral reprimand". When using "verbal warning", it's important to clearly communicate that it is a formal warning, not just a casual discussion. A key writing tip is to follow any "verbal warning" with a written warning if the behavior persists, creating a clear record of progressive discipline. The high frequency and wide range of applications underscores its importance in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbal reprimand

Uses reprimand which implies a stronger rebuke.

spoken caution

Replaces "warning" with "caution", emphasizing the act of giving notice of potential danger or problems through speech.

oral caution

Replaces "verbal" with "oral" and "warning" with "caution", changing the emphasis slightly while maintaining the core meaning.

oral reprimand

Substitutes "warning" with "reprimand", suggesting a more formal and disciplinary tone delivered verbally.

spoken admonition

Uses "admonition" instead of "warning", implying a gentle but firm correction given orally.

spoken alert

Replaces "warning" with "alert", focusing on the act of making someone aware of a potential issue through speech.

unofficial warning

Highlights the informal nature of the warning, implying it's not officially documented.

informal caution

Focuses on the relaxed nature of the caution, suggesting it's not part of a formal disciplinary process.

unwritten warning

Emphasizes the lack of a written record, contrasting with a formal, documented warning.

personal caution

Indicates the warning is given directly to the individual, in a one-on-one context.

FAQs

How is a "verbal warning" different from a written warning?

A "verbal warning" is an informal warning given orally, while a written warning is a formal, documented warning. The latter carries more weight and is typically used after a "verbal warning" has already been issued.

When is it appropriate to give a "verbal warning"?

A "verbal warning" is appropriate for minor infractions or when an employee makes a first-time mistake. It serves as an initial step to correct behavior before escalating to more formal disciplinary actions.

What should be included when giving a "verbal warning"?

When giving a "verbal warning", clearly state the issue, explain why it's a problem, outline the expected behavior, and inform the employee that further infractions may lead to more serious consequences.

Can a "verbal warning" be used as evidence in legal proceedings?

While a "verbal warning" itself might be difficult to prove without documentation, it can contribute to a pattern of disciplinary action that, when properly documented with written warnings and other evidence, can be relevant in legal proceedings.