diff --git a/src/pip/_internal/cli/req_command.py b/src/pip/_internal/cli/req_command.py
index 3fc00d4f47b..7ed623880ac 100644
--- a/src/pip/_internal/cli/req_command.py
+++ b/src/pip/_internal/cli/req_command.py
@@ -177,8 +177,9 @@ def warn_if_run_as_root():
         if os.getuid() != 0:
             return
     logger.warning(
-        "Running pip as root will break packages and permissions. "
-        "You should install packages reliably by using venv: "
+        "Running pip as the 'root' user can result in broken permissions and "
+        "conflicting behaviour with the system package manager. "
+        "It is recommended to use a virtual environment instead: "
         "https://pip.pypa.io/warnings/venv"
     )