viewer discretion advised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "viewer discretion advised" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a warning to inform viewers that the content may be disturbing or inappropriate for some audiences. Example: "This film contains graphic violence and strong language; viewer discretion advised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Viewer discretion advised" a lot of videos state in their introduction.

The Guardian - Tech

A&E's "highest-rated original drama series of all time" didn't find much of an audience on cable, but Seasons four to six of this adaptation of Craig Johnson's best-selling Walt Longmire Mysteries series were right at home on Netflix, where things could be a lot less "viewer discretion advised" and a lot more commercial-free.

Vice

The problem of portraying the world as dangerous and violent is particularly acute with television, which focuses on a few big stories at a time, says DePauw University Professor of Communication Jeffrey McCall, author of Viewer Discretion Advised: Taking Control of Mass Media Influences.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And at all times viewer discretion is advised.

Independent

Viewer discretion is advised, if only because it's well-nigh unwatchable.

The New York Times

Needless to say, the station goes ahead and airs it, adding a tagline — "Viewer discretion is advised" — that works as both caution and catnip.

The New Yorker

And Peter Martins's subaqueous love story "Ocean's Kingdom," with a score by Paul McCartney, returns to the stage for several performances; viewer discretion is advised.

The New Yorker

"Viewer discretion is advised, because you will see biting and blood," said Mr. Roxey, who is married to Melissa Roxey, the dance company's artistic adviser and co-founder.

The New York Times

So viewer discretion is advised.

Huffington Post

Thus far, CBS has only responded to the show's incendiary comments by airing a disclaimer at the beginning of the show to tell the audience that ultimately, viewer discretion is advised.

Huffington Post

"Viewer discretion is advised".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "viewer discretion advised", be specific about the type of content that might be objectionable (e.g., violence, strong language, nudity) to give viewers a better understanding of what to expect.

Common error

Avoid using "viewer discretion advised" as a blanket statement for all content. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine risk of disturbing or offending a significant portion of the audience. If everything gets this label, it loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "viewer discretion advised" functions as a warning or disclaimer. It alerts the audience that the upcoming content might be disturbing, offensive, or otherwise unsuitable for certain viewers. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "viewer discretion advised" is a standard phrase used primarily in news and media to warn audiences about potentially disturbing or offensive content. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and serves as a disclaimer, allowing viewers to make informed decisions about their viewing choices. While it is an uncommon phrase, reserving it for truly sensitive material ensures its effectiveness. Alternatives like "parental guidance suggested" or "content may be sensitive" can be considered depending on the specific context. Leading sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, reinforcing its significance in responsible content delivery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Parental guidance suggested

Focuses specifically on advising parents about content suitability for children.

Sensitive content warning

General notification of possibly disturbing or triggering material.

Content may be sensitive for some viewers

Highlights the potential emotional impact of the content on viewers.

Caution: Graphic content ahead

Direct warning regarding the presence of explicit or violent material.

Adult supervision recommended

Emphasizes the need for adult oversight, particularly for younger audiences.

The following program may contain content that some viewers find disturbing

A more descriptive warning indicating potentially upsetting content.

Mature audiences only

Indicates content unsuitable for younger viewers.

Reader discretion is advised

Applies the same warning to written content instead of visual.

The following presentation includes material that may be offensive

A formal disclaimer about potentially objectionable content.

Consumer discretion advised

Advises caution and personal judgment for consumers, not specifically related to visuals.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "viewer discretion advised"?

Use "viewer discretion advised" when the content contains potentially disturbing material, such as graphic violence, strong language, or sensitive topics. It's a way to warn viewers about content that may not be suitable for everyone.

What are some alternatives to "viewer discretion advised"?

You can use alternatives like "parental guidance suggested", "content may be sensitive", or "mature audiences only" depending on the specific context and the target audience.

Is "viewer discretion advised" the same as "parental guidance suggested"?

Not exactly. "Viewer discretion advised" is a general warning that content may be disturbing. "Parental guidance suggested" specifically alerts parents to the possibility that some content may not be suitable for children, implying that parents should supervise their viewing.

Where do I typically see "viewer discretion advised"?

You'll commonly see "viewer discretion advised" at the beginning of television programs, online videos, or films that contain potentially offensive or disturbing material. It's often displayed as a text warning before the actual content begins.