What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
warned
Example
I warned him not to touch the hot stove. [warned: past tense]
Example
The teacher warned the students about the upcoming exam. [warned: verb]
cautioned
Example
The doctor cautioned her against eating too much sugar. [cautioned: past tense]
Example
The police officer cautioned the driver about speeding. [cautioned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Warned is more commonly used than cautioned in everyday language. Warned is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cautioned is less common and tends to be used in more formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between warned and cautioned?
Cautioned is typically associated with a more formal tone, while warned can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
