A warning is something that makes us aware of possible danger. There are a number of ways of warningsomeone. Warnings can be weak or strong.
Weak warnings
Weak warnings are similar to advice. We can use a number of phrases:
I wouldn’tswim thereif I were you.
I don’t think you shoulddrink the water here.
I don’t think you ought tosay no to the job offer.(more formal)
A word of warning, there are snakes on the trails.(Be careful)
Strong warnings
We usually usedon’tin strong warnings:
Don’tcross the road when the pedestrian light is red.
Don’ttry to open the door when the train is moving.
Whatever you do,don’ttake a lift from an unofficial taxi driver.
Sometimes we sayI warn youorI must warn you:
It’s a wonderful restaurant but,I warn you, it isn’t cheap.
I must warn youit gets very cold at night in the mountains. Make sure to bring some warm clothes.
Public warning notices
We often usebeware of,caution, warninganddangerin public warning notices:
Bewareofthe dog.
Caution: Wet floor.
Warning: this building site is private property.
[near a river where it is dangerous to swim]
Danger: Strong currents.
Warning of immediate danger
When we want to say something to warn someone about an immediate danger, we can use phrases likecareful, be careful, watch out, look out, mind:
Be careful!That chair is broken!
Watch out!You’re about to hit the car behind you.
Look out!There’s a rock falling.
Mindyour step!(pay attention to the step)