warning call

USAGE SUMMARY

"warning call" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a loud sound or signal that is used to alert people of a potential danger or an impending event. For example, "The fire alarm sounded a warning call to evacuate the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First comes the "gag call" – a low, repeated warning call that essentially means: Go away.

The Guardian

First he tried one, called GVAX, made from his irradiated cancer cells and fitted with a gene that, upon injection, sounds a warning call that recruits dendritic cells.

The New York Times - Magazine

A warning call from a hotel operator alerted the staff that terrorists had entered the building and were heading toward the restaurant.

Harvard Business Review

I hope this legislation sounds a warning call to companies that continue to hire their friends and people who look like them throughout their start-ups.

The Washington Post

A warning call to two local media outlets only 50 minutes before the blast triggered a panic-stricken evacuation of the building.

The Guardian - Business

Gas! Gas!" -- the warning call we practiced at all hours to don and clear our gas masks in less than 10 seconds.

The New York Times

The ascending call has a duration of about half a second, starting with a "yell" on one note and ending with a "chip" on a higher note; it is often used as a distress or warning call for unfamiliar smells and noises.

Wikipedia

Our findings represent a warning call for the use of resistant varieties and an incentive to design breeding programmes aiming to optimize durability of the resistances.

BMC Plant Biology

As a warning call, that sounds unambiguous.

The New York Times

The explosion occurred at about 8 30 p.m. after a warning call to a Greek newspaper.

The New York Times

Critics of nuclear energy said what happened in Japan should be a warning call to Chile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "warning call", ensure the context clearly indicates what danger is being warned about. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "warning call" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "alert", "advisory", or "notice" to add variety and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "warning call" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As highlighted by Ludwig, it refers to a sound or signal meant to alert someone to potential danger. It can describe both literal calls and figurative alerts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "warning call" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe signals or alerts of potential danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it is used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's beneficial to consider alternatives like "alarm signal" or ""alert notice"" depending on the specific context to avoid repetition. Remember to be precise about the danger being warned about and adjust formality based on the writing scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

danger signal

Directly indicates a signal of impending danger.

alarm signal

Focuses on the signal aspect of the warning, highlighting the method of alerting.

alert notice

Emphasizes the notice given to warn someone.

cautionary signal

Highlights the cautionary nature of the warning.

distress signal

Specifically indicates a call for help in a dangerous situation.

red flag

Implies a sign of danger or a problem that needs attention.

early warning

Focuses on the timing of the warning, indicating it's given in advance.

preemptive warning

Highlights that the warning is given before something happens, to prevent it.

wake-up call

Suggests a warning that is meant to shock someone into awareness or action.

forewarning

Emphasizes the act of warning in advance.

FAQs

How can I use "warning call" in a sentence?

You can use "warning call" to describe a signal that alerts people to danger, such as "The bird's sharp cry served as a "danger signal"" or "The government issued a "preemptive warning" about the approaching hurricane".

What's the difference between "warning call" and "alarm"?

"Warning call" is a more specific term often referring to a vocalization or signal indicating immediate danger, while "alarm" is a broader term for any device or signal that alerts to a problem or threat.

Which is correct, "warning call" or "warning bell"?

Both "warning call" and "warning bell" are correct, but they refer to different types of signals. "Warning call" can be any type of alert, including vocalizations or electronic signals, while "warning bell" specifically refers to the sound of a bell used as a warning.

What can I say instead of "warning call" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "alert", "advisory", or "notice". For example, instead of "The president's speech was a "wake-up call"", you might say, "The president's speech served as a serious "alert notice"".