Meaning
to inform someone of a possible danger or problem
Primary Function
gives cautionary advice
Communicative Purpose
to prevent harm or mistakes
Pattern
warn; of/about
Core Structure
warn; of/about
Função primária
gives cautionary advice
Propósito comunicativo
to prevent harm or mistakes
Situações de gatilho
safety briefings, travel warnings, giving advice to colleagues
Contextos
everyday conversation, professional settings (e.g., workplace safety), public announcements (news alerts)
Padrão
warn; of/about
Estrutura central
warn; of/about
Slots de substituição
person / danger or problem
Colocados típicos
- strongly
- explicitly
- adequately
- repeatedly
- must
Substituições comuns
- caution about
- alert to
Erros comuns
using *warn someone from; using *warn that without an explicit object
Similar / contraste
caution against, advise against, forewarn of
Interferências
German ‘warnen vor’ uses dative which may lead learners to misuse preposition order; Spanish ‘advertir de’ is more straightforward and does not cause this error
Família do chunk
- caution about
- alert to
- forewarn of
- advise against
Nuance
'warn of' often introduces a noun phrase describing the danger or risk, whereas 'warn about' can be used for broader explanations or consequences
Efeito pragmático
protective and authoritative tone indicating responsibility for safety or caution
Dica de memória
They warned us of the high costs.
Nota
This chunk is essential for safety communications, professional advice, and travel or health alerts. Mastery is crucial for clear, responsible communication in both formal and informal contexts.
Upgrade path
use 'forewarn' or 'give prior notice of' in formal contexts
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