Cool MateThreats vs Warning
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Threats
Top 2,000 (common)
Warning
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Warning
| Threats | Warning | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //θrɛts//🇺🇸 //θrɛts// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈwɔːnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈwɔːrnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Signs or statements that someone will cause harm or trouble. | A message telling someone about a possible problem or danger. |
| Example | He received several threats via email last week. | The warning on the label advised against using the product around children. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | make threats, face threats, direct threats, empty threats, receive threats | dire, grim, ominous, give (somebody), issue, post, come, sound, label, notice, sign, in warning, without warning, warning about, let that/this be a warning (to you), a word of warning, dire, grim, ominous, give (somebody), issue, post, come, sound, label, notice, sign, in warning, without warning, warning about, let that/this be a warning (to you), a word of warning |
| Antonyms | promises, assurances | safety, assurance, reassurance |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'threats' with 'threatening' - they are different forms., Using 'threats' with incorrect prepositions, like 'to' instead of 'against'. | Confused with 'warn' — remember 'warning' is a noun., Using it in a context that doesn't involve danger or caution., Misplacing it in a sentence, leading to unclear meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'threats' in serious conversations about danger or intimidation. Avoid using it informally to keep the meaning clear. | Use 'warning' when you want to alert someone about something potentially harmful. It's suitable for both spoken and written communication, but avoid using it in overly casual settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Threats vs Warning
What's the difference between Threats and Warning?
Threats: Signs or statements that someone will cause harm or trouble. Warning: A message telling someone about a possible problem or danger.
Which is more common: Threats and Warning?
Warning is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Threats: He received several threats via email last week. Warning: The warning on the label advised against using the product around children.
Can I use Threats and Warning interchangeably?
Not always. Threats and Warning are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.