a stark warning — grave warning
a very serious and clear warning, often about danger or severe consequences, with no attempt to soften the message.
Say it like a native
Textbook The report gave a very serious and direct warning about climate change.
Native The report issued a stark warning about climate change.
'A stark warning' = blunt and grave; 'issue a stark warning' is the news collocation.
Pattern: a stark warning (about/of something) | issue/give/serve as a stark warning
In use
- The report issued a stark warning about the long-term effects of climate change.society
- In my opinion, the government should pay attention to the stark warnings from scientists regarding pollution, because ignoring them could have serious consequences for public health.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Scientists made a stark warning about the risks.
✓ Scientists issued a stark warning about the risks.
Warnings of this kind are usually 'issued' or 'given', not 'made'.
Common collocations
issue/give a stark warning— issue, give, about, serve as
Don't confuse it
Unlike a 'strong warning', which can refer to any forceful caution, 'a stark warning' specifically highlights the seriousness and the blunt, unsoftened nature of the message.