was cautioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cautioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone received a warning or advice about a particular action or behavior in the past. Example: "He was cautioned about the potential risks of the project before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Holyfield was cautioned over his controversial remarks.

Independent

"I was cautioned not to do that".

The New York Times - Arts

For that, he was cautioned: yellow, then red.

The Times

Pienaar then clattered Gareth Barry and was cautioned.

The Guardian - Sport

The Scot was cautioned while mistimed tackles abounded.

The Guardian - Sport

(Police attended the incident, outside the gym, one morning in September. Ray Hatton was cautioned).

Independent

"You may never make if sitting on our side with an Exeter hat," he was cautioned.

The New York Times

Green had left abruptly after he was cautioned for alleged kerbcrawling.

The Guardian

Then he should resign". Khan was cautioned by police before being released.

The Guardian

They said he was cautioned for drunken and disorderly behavior and released without being charged.

The New York Times - Sports

Townshend, who was cautioned by police, insists he is not a paedophile.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was cautioned", ensure the context clearly indicates who issued the caution and what the caution was about. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was cautioned" without specifying the reason for the caution. For instance, instead of saying "He was cautioned", specify "He was cautioned about the risks involved."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cautioned" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb 'caution'. It indicates that someone received a formal warning, often from an authority figure, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was cautioned" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that someone received a warning, often in a legal or disciplinary context. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in news reports, and less so in academic or business settings. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary depending on the specific situation. When using the phrase, it is essential to provide clear context regarding who issued the caution and why to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives include "was warned" or "received a warning", but the best choice will depend on the precise meaning you want to convey. This guide provided a comprehensive overview and valuable writing tips to get the most out of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was warned

A more direct and common synonym, focusing on the warning received.

received a warning

Emphasizes the reception of the warning rather than the act of cautioning itself.

was given a warning

Similar to 'received a warning' but slightly more formal.

was advised against

Focuses on the advice given to avoid a particular action.

faced a rebuke

Highlights the act of facing criticism or disapproval.

was reprimanded

Implies a formal rebuke, often from an authority figure.

was censured

Indicates a formal expression of disapproval.

was taken to task

Implies being criticized or held accountable for something.

was given a talking-to

Informal term for receiving a scolding or reprimand.

was told off

Informal British English term for being scolded.

FAQs

What does "was cautioned" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "was cautioned" typically refers to a formal warning given by law enforcement as an alternative to prosecution for a minor offense. It's a record of misconduct but not a conviction.

What are some alternatives to saying "was cautioned"?

You can use alternatives like "was warned", "received a warning", or "was advised against" depending on the specific context.

How is being "cautioned" different from being "arrested"?

Being "cautioned" is less severe than being arrested. A caution is a formal warning for a minor offense, while an arrest involves being taken into custody and potentially charged with a crime.

Can a caution affect future employment opportunities?

A caution can appear on certain background checks, particularly those for roles involving working with vulnerable people. However, its impact is generally less significant than a criminal conviction.