if an employee deliberately ignores a verbal warning, a more formal written warning is issued. A written warning is the first formal step in progressive discipline that may result in the eventual dismissal of the employee. It differs from a verbal warning, which is relatively informal. A written warning is used for more serious errors and infractions. It explicitly states that it is a ‘’ written warning’’ and the supervisor retain a copy in the department file. It is also a legal document that can end up as evidence in a court case.