diff --git a/tc/q_gred.c b/tc/q_gred.c
index a3dc722b..65caeee6 100644
--- a/tc/q_gred.c
+++ b/tc/q_gred.c
@@ -213,6 +213,10 @@ static int gred_parse_opt(struct qdisc_util *qu, int argc, char **argv, struct n
 		argc--; argv++;
 	}
 
+	if (!ok) {
+		explain();
+		return -1;
+	}
 	if (!opt.qth_min || !opt.qth_max || !opt.limit || !avpkt ||
 	    (opt.DP<0)) {
 		fprintf(stderr, "Required parameter (min, max, limit, "