was forewarned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was forewarned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was given prior warning about a situation or event. Example: "She was forewarned about the potential risks involved in the project, but she decided to proceed anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Only her husband was forewarned.

The Guardian

So I was forewarned and fully aware, but I made the decision to go ahead anyway.

The New York Times

"The first time I was forewarned that it would get a bit frantic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No signs that anyone had raised the alarm or was forewarned of their fate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The reader was forewarned about the onion juice mouthwash; there are surprises to come.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Spano admitted that he was forewarned that he would be publicly critiqued.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But be forewarned.

The New York Times

We had been forewarned!

The Guardian - Opinion

Prudes, be forewarned.

The New York Times

"We have been forewarned".

The New York Times

Toledo has been forewarned.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was forewarned" to clearly indicate that someone received a warning or prior notice about something, allowing them to prepare or take action.

Common error

Avoid using "was forewarned" when the active voice is more appropriate or when the tense does not align with the context. For example, instead of "He was forewarned by his colleague," consider "His colleague forewarned him" if you want to emphasize the colleague's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was forewarned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received a prior warning. It emphasizes the state of having been warned rather than the actor who gave the warning. Ludwig AI showcases this use across various contexts, highlighting its common application in conveying prior notification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was forewarned" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates someone received advance warning about something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent presence in news and media, as well as other general contexts. Although a passive construction, the examples suggest a neutral register and the phrase is appropriate for conveying prior notification or awareness of an impending event. Substitute options include "had been alerted" or "had received a warning". The most suitable alternative will depend on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was alerted beforehand

Emphasizes the timing of the alert, specifically that it occurred in advance.

had been alerted

Emphasizes the action of being notified, rather than the state of being aware beforehand.

was advised in advance

Indicates the receipt of counsel or guidance prior to an event.

was previously informed

Stresses that information was provided at an earlier time.

had been given notice

Highlights the formal aspect of receiving information in advance.

was made aware

Highlights the act of becoming conscious or knowledgeable about something.

had advance knowledge

Highlights the possession of information before an event occurs.

had received a warning

Focuses on the receipt of a warning, often implying potential danger.

knew ahead of time

Focuses on having prior knowledge, often through informal means.

was tipped off

Suggests receiving confidential or insider information.

FAQs

How can I use "was forewarned" in a sentence?

You can use "was forewarned" to indicate that someone received a warning or prior notice. For example, "The team "was forewarned" about the budget cuts before the official announcement".

What's a formal alternative to "was forewarned"?

A more formal alternative is "had been given notice". Example: "The employees had been given notice of the upcoming changes".

What does it mean to be "forewarned"?

To be "forewarned" means to have been warned about something in advance, allowing you to prepare for it.

What is the difference between "was warned" and "was forewarned"?

"Was warned" is a general term for receiving a warning, while "was forewarned" implies that the warning was given in advance of an event, providing an opportunity to prepare.