warn about

USAGE SUMMARY

"warn about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to advise someone about something that could cause them difficulty or harm. For example: John warned us about the icy roads ahead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Didn't someone warn about that?

The Guardian

Parents who warn about regrets.

The New York Times

Industry and employers constantly warn about this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, scientists warn about drawing conclusions about humans.

The New York Times - Arts

whom you once pulled aside to warn about fraud?

The New York Times - Magazine

Corporations continued to warn about weakening earnings yesterday.

The New York Times

Environmentalists warn about Mr. Bush's record in Texas.

The New York Times

Commentators warn about the risks of shaming and censorship.

The Guardian - Tech

Conservative Catholic Web sites warn about "Catholicism lite".

The New Yorker

Then John Major went on the radio to warn about the perils of independence.

Independent

Speeches warn about the rise of the Far Right throughout Eastern Europe.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "warn about", ensure the subject clearly understands the potential negative consequences you are highlighting.

Common error

In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "caution against" or "alert to" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "warn about" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive phrasal verb. It requires an object, indicating what or whom is being cautioned. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is correct and usable. It is used to alert someone to a potential danger or negative consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "warn about" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that effectively conveys caution or advice regarding potential dangers or negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While appropriate for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "caution against" in certain writing scenarios. Predominantly found in news and media, "warn about" serves the crucial function of alerting individuals to risks, promoting informed decision-making. Understanding its nuances ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound the alarm

Implies a strong and urgent warning about a serious threat.

forewarn of

Stresses the act of warning in advance.

caution against

Emphasizes advising against a particular action due to potential risks.

flag up

Emphasizes bringing attention to a specific issue or concern.

remind of the risks

Focuses on reminding someone of the potential dangers that already exist.

alert to

Focuses on making someone aware of a potential danger or problem.

highlight the dangers of

Focuses on emphasizing the potential risks involved.

advise of

A more formal way to inform someone about potential issues.

call attention to

A more general way of bringing something to someone's awareness, often a potential problem.

put on notice

Indicates a formal warning or notification.

FAQs

How can I use "warn about" in a sentence?

You can use "warn about" to advise someone of a potential danger or negative consequence. For example: "The weather forecast "warned about" heavy snow", or "Experts "warn about" the risks of social media addiction".

What are some alternatives to "warn about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "caution against", "alert to", or "forewarn of".

Is it better to say "warn about" or "warn of"?

"Warn about" is generally used to indicate the subject of the warning, while "warn of" indicates the thing that is being warned. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "sound the alarm" instead of "warn about"?

"Sound the alarm" is appropriate when you want to express a sense of urgency or immediate danger, while "warn about" is a more general caution. For instance, you might "sound the alarm" about an imminent threat, whereas you would "warn about" the long-term effects of poor diet.