Learn English – When should I use “caution” instead of “warning” and vice versa

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Can you tell me in which context I should use caution and warning?

Caution seems more formal, and more serious than warning. Caution can imply fatal, while warning refers to errors or mistakes.

Best Answer

Caution seems more formal, and more serious than warning.

Actually, in some contexts, the opposite is true. In the US, there is an ANSI standard for safety signage (and I believe a corresponding ISO standard) that specifies how these words are used in signs in the workplace:

Warning—Indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Caution—Indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Caution may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

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For example,

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