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Meaning & use

advanced warning

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ədˈvɑːnst ˈwɔː.nɪŋ/
US/ədˈvænst ˈwɔːr.nɪŋ/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable or uncountable

    A warning given before something happens, so people have time to prepare.

    Grammar: Often used with 'give', 'get', or 'have': 'They gave us advanced warning.'

    Patterns

    • give someone advanced warning
    • have advanced warning of something
    • without advanced warning

    The storm hit the coast without advanced warning, catching everyone off guard.

    The school gave parents advanced warning about the road closures.

    We had no advanced warning that the meeting would be canceled.

  2. nouncountable

    A warning that uses highly developed or sophisticated technology or methods.

    Grammar: Used when talking about systems like radar or AI: 'an advanced warning system'.

    Patterns

    • advanced warning system
    • advanced warning technology

    The military uses an advanced warning system to detect incoming missiles.

    Engineers developed advanced warning sensors that can predict earthquakes seconds before they strike.

Common combinations

without advanced warning
The power cut happened without advanced warning, leaving the whole street in darkness.
give advanced warning
Please give us advanced warning if you plan to visit.
advanced warning system
The new advanced warning system alerts drivers to accidents ahead.
plenty of advanced warning
We had plenty of advanced warning about the inspection, so we were well prepared.

Synonyms and how they differ

advance warning
The standard phrase for a warning given ahead of time; 'advanced warning' is often a mistake for this.
prior notice
More formal and often used in official contexts, e.g. 'without prior notice'.
heads-up
Informal; a quick warning or piece of information, e.g. 'Thanks for the heads-up.'

Opposites

surprise

Word family

advance adjective
Done or given before something happens, e.g. 'advance booking'.
warn verb
To tell someone about a possible danger or problem.
warning noun
A statement or event that tells you about possible danger.

Commonly confused: advanced warning or advance warning?

advanced warning vs advance warning

This is the correct and more common phrase for a warning given before something happens. 'Advanced warning' is often used by mistake, though it can also mean a high-tech warning system.

Practice

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