the heads up vs a heads up

Both 'the heads up' and 'a heads up' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'A heads up' is the more common and correct phrase, used to inform someone about something in advance. 'The heads up' is less common and usually used in a specific context where there is a particular heads-up being referred to.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1250 views

This phrase is less common and usually used in a specific context where there is a particular heads-up being referred to.

"the heads up"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific heads-up that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Show examples from the web [+]

SamanthaBurnsOrlando Thanks for the heads up on that.
They are not including the heads up table.
Thanks for the heads up, Officer Daily.
She was grateful for the heads up that she was on the wrong end of a kill list.
And I appreciate the heads up.
Thanks for the heads up on the link - it appears to be working on my end but I'm going to look into it.
Will dig into this en language hint - thank you for the heads up!
OK, the payment form has been corrected, thanks for the heads up!
Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't noticed that, yet. <3
Thanks for the heads up.
Appreciate the heads up.
I wanted to give you the heads up about your transfer.
Jay Wratten gave them the heads up.
I appreciate you giving me the heads up on Raylan.
Thanks for the heads up, guys.
I'm giving you the heads up personally.
Although it could be... thanks for the heads up.
And they're giving us the heads up.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll let the deputy director know.
They are not including the heads up table.

This is the more common and correct phrase, used to inform someone about something in advance.

"a heads up"

This phrase is used to inform someone about something in advance, giving them a warning or alert about a situation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just a heads up, Kenny, it might not be relevant.
Just a heads up, Chris Flowers is in the lobby.
I used it as leverage, and I gave you a heads up at the same time.
Couldn't get away from Moses - to give them a heads up.
Why does she need a heads up?
Just a heads up, I might vomit;
Just a heads up... he's kind of in love with me.
Erv, I'm giving you a heads up.
Just a heads up, I think the farm's a Walmart now.
Just a heads up, traffic in the family room is horrible.
We just need a heads up.
Give me a heads up when the joke's coming.
Just a heads up, fellas.
Just a heads up. I can smell you from here.
You could have given me the courtesy of a heads up.
I'm sure they'd appreciate a heads up.
You know, a heads up would've been nice.
"assassinate David Rosen," I'd really appreciate a heads up.
Just giving everyone a heads up.
John Ross told me you tried to give us a heads up about your father and Alison.

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the heads up vs a heads up

"the heads up"

"a heads up"

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