warn of possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "warn of possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a caution or alert regarding potential risks or outcomes. Example: "The meteorologist warned of possible severe thunderstorms in the area this evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Then, far off, came the wail of a storm siren to warn of possible danger.

The New York Times - Science

It was "absolutely not" overstepping the mark to warn of possible storm clouds ahead, he said.

The Guardian

Notably, Moody's didn't warn of possible future downgrades for these subsidiaries.

The New York Times

Some warn of possible contamination with cancer-causing chemicals; others merely caution against eating local fish.

The Washington Post

The system monitors data from 911 calls, emergency room visits and pharmacies to warn of possible outbreaks in the city.

The New York Times

Doctors can plug drug orders into a computer program that will check the drug against a patient's other medications and immediately warn of possible dangers or unexpected interactions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

As a precaution, flood warnings were issued near Tokyo, which warned of possible landslides.

Wikipedia

He warned of possible criminal proceedings.

The New York Times

The mayor has warned of possible service cuts and layoffs.

The New York Times

He warned of possible environmental hazards, particularly to groundwater systems.

Independent

The government had warned of possible attacks around Ashura.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "warn of possible", ensure that the potential outcome is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "The health officials warned of possible side effects from the new medication".

Common error

Avoid using "warn of possible" when the risk is highly probable or certain. In such cases, a stronger phrase like "warn of impending" or "caution against" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "warn of possible" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a caution or alert regarding potential risks or outcomes. It indicates that there is a chance of something happening and serves to inform or prepare the audience for such an event. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "warn of possible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce a potential risk or caution. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. Its neutral tone and versatility make it applicable across various contexts, although it's most prevalent in news and media sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensuring the potential outcome is explicitly stated enhances understanding and impact. While there are several alternatives, like "alert to potential" or "caution about potential", the original phrase remains a direct and effective way to convey potential concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alert to potential

Focuses on providing an alert rather than a direct warning.

caution about potential

Emphasizes a need for caution regarding a possibility.

advise of potential

Uses a more formal tone, advising about a possibility.

flag potential for

Highlights the identification of a potential issue.

foresee potential

Implies seeing a possibility in advance.

anticipate possible

Focuses on expecting something that is possible.

highlight the chance of

Draws attention to the likelihood of something occurring.

point out likelihood of

Directly indicates the probability of an event.

indicate potential for

Suggests the existence of a potential, but without strong warning.

mention the risk of

Briefly brings up a risk without necessarily issuing a strong warning.

FAQs

How can I use "warn of possible" in a sentence?

You can use "warn of possible" to indicate a caution about a potential danger or problem. For instance, "The weather forecast warned of possible flash floods due to heavy rain."

What's a more formal alternative to "warn of possible"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "advise of potential" or "alert to potential". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional register.

Is it always necessary to follow "warn of possible" with a specific outcome?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the possible outcome after "warn of possible" enhances clarity and provides crucial context for the warning. For example, instead of saying "They warned of possible issues", specify "They warned of possible delays in the project timeline."

What's the difference between "warn of possible" and "guarantee"?

"Warn of possible" indicates a potential risk or outcome that may or may not occur. On the other hand, "guarantee" implies a certainty about a future event. They have opposite meanings; one indicates uncertainty, the other assurance.