warning sign

USAGE SUMMARY

"warning sign" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is an indication that something bad or unpleasant may happen. For example: The growing national debt is a warning sign that our economy is headed for trouble.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I decided to ignore that warning sign.

Huffington Post

A warning sign of endometrial cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding.

Huffington Post

However, if they can not this is warning sign.

WikiHow

It's a warning sign.

The New Yorker

But it's a warning sign".

The New York Times

A warning sign.

The Guardian - Sport

That story was the warning sign".

The New York Times

The warning sign was missed.

The Washington Post

It's also a warning sign.

The Washington Post

Inappropriate anger is a definite warning sign.

The Washington Post

It was merely another warning sign.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "warning sign", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the potential danger or problem being indicated.

Common error

Avoid using "warning sign" without providing context. Vague statements like "This is a warning sign" can be confusing. Instead, specify what the sign is and what it warns against.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "warning sign" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something that serves as an indicator of potential danger or a problem. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates something bad may happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "warning sign" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to alert and caution about potential dangers or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its neutral tone and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While it is frequently used, writers should ensure specificity, clearly indicating what the sign is and what it warns against. Alternatives like "red flag" or "alarm bell" can be used for variety, but "warning sign" remains a clear and effective way to signal potential trouble.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

red flag

A more concise and visually evocative alternative.

danger signal

A straightforward synonym emphasizing potential harm.

alarm bell

Emphasizes the sense of alert and urgency.

cautionary note

Highlights the need for caution and careful consideration.

signal of trouble

Broadly indicates potential problems or difficulties.

early indication

Focuses on the timing and predictive nature of the sign.

foreboding omen

Implies a sense of impending doom or negative consequences.

threat indicator

Directly points to a potential threat or danger.

precursor

Highlights the predictive nature of the sign.

portent

Implies a sign of future events, often negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "warning sign" to indicate a potential problem or danger. For example, "The increase in late payments is a "warning sign" that the economy may be slowing down."

What are some alternatives to "warning sign"?

Alternatives include "red flag", "alarm bell", or "cautionary note", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "warning sign" or "warning signal"?

"Warning sign" and "warning signal" are often interchangeable, but "warning sign" typically refers to a more static indicator, while "warning signal" can imply a more active or immediate alert. Choose the term that best fits the context.

What does it mean when something is described as a "warning sign"?

When something is described as a "warning sign", it means that it is an indication of a potential problem, danger, or negative outcome that may occur in the future. It calls for attention and possible action to prevent the undesirable event.