warned not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "warned not to" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The teacher warned the students not to put their feet on the desks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parents have been warned not to protest.

The Economist

We were warned not to smoke.

The New York Times

"They were warned not to proceed".

The New York Times

I've been warned not to talk".

The New York Times

He has been warned not to cycle around Terengganu.

The New York Times

(First-timers are warned not to eat it).

The New Yorker

Warned not to delay, I had the thing surgically removed.

The New York Times

Passengers are being warned not to travel unless "absolutely necessary".

Independent

The pipes were flushed and the customers were warned not to use the water till the all clear.

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health

Guests are warned not to flaunt jewelry or cameras.

The New York Times - Travel

Liu's lawyers have been warned not to discuss the case.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "warned not to", ensure the warning is followed by a clear explanation of the potential consequences of disregarding the warning. For example: "Passengers were "warned not to" travel unless 'absolutely necessary', due to the impending rail strike."

Common error

Avoid using "warned not to" when a simple suggestion or recommendation is more appropriate. This phrase implies a significant risk or negative outcome if the advice is not followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "warned not to" primarily functions as a verb phrase introducing an infinitive of purpose, indicating a caution or prohibition against a specific action. Ludwig highlights the phrase's correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "warned not to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey caution or prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, this construction serves to alert individuals to potential risks, urging them to avoid specific actions. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where a genuine risk or negative outcome is at stake, avoiding its use in scenarios requiring only mild suggestions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advised against

Emphasizes counsel or recommendation against a particular action.

cautioned against

Highlights the potential risks or negative consequences of an action.

told not to

A more direct and simple way of expressing prohibition.

instructed not to

Suggests a formal order or directive.

advised to refrain from

A more formal way of suggesting avoidance.

recommended against

Similar to "advised against" but may carry slightly less weight.

dissuaded from

Focuses on persuading someone not to do something.

urged not to

Emphasizes a strong recommendation against an action.

alerted to the risk of

Highlights the presence of a potential danger.

given a warning not to

Highlights the act of issuing a warning explicitly.

FAQs

How can I use "warned not to" in a sentence?

You can use "warned not to" to indicate that someone has been cautioned against doing something, typically because of a potential danger or negative consequence. For instance, "Tourists were "warned not to" swim in the area due to the presence of sharks."

What are some alternatives to "warned not to"?

Alternatives include "advised against", "cautioned against", or "told not to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "warned not to"?

Use "warned not to" when conveying a serious caution about a potential risk or negative outcome. It is suitable for situations where ignoring the advice could lead to significant problems.

What's the difference between "warned not to" and "advised not to"?

"Warned not to" implies a stronger sense of danger or negative consequence compared to "advised not to". "Advised" suggests a recommendation, while "warned" suggests a potential threat.