A word of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"A word of caution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to give advice, warn somebody, or express a need for caution. For example: "A word of caution: Don't use power tools without careful supervision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A word of caution, though.

The Guardian - Sport

A word of caution applies here.

The Guardian

A word of caution: Fontainebleau is immense, and immensely varied.

The New York Times - Travel

A word of caution here.

BBC

A word of caution about this practice.

Forbes

A word of caution on holding sector funds.

Forbes

A word of caution though: for every complex problem there's a simple solution … and it's wrong.

TechCrunch

A word of caution that at least one of the photos is NSFW.

TechCrunch

A word of caution on where to store those ounces of high-priced metal.

Forbes

A word of caution must be uttered.

Huffington Post

A word of caution, however, for Democrats reading this.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and adjust the tone accordingly. In formal settings, a direct approach is suitable; in informal contexts, soften the language.

Common error

Avoid using "a word of caution" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly apprehensive. Use it sparingly for significant warnings only. Consider using alternatives to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a word of caution" functions as an introductory expression used to preface a warning, advice, or a note of potential risk. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to alert the reader to something important.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a word of caution" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a warning or advice. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various writing contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, making it suitable for both neutral and professional communication. When using this phrase, clearly state the potential risk and consider your audience. Alternatives like "a note of warning" or "be advised" can add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overusing it to maintain a balanced tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A note of warning

Replaces 'word' with 'note', implying a brief but important caution.

A cautionary note

Inverts the structure, emphasizing the cautionary aspect directly.

A word of advice

Substitutes 'caution' with 'advice', offering a more helpful and less alarming tone.

A piece of advice

Similar to 'a word of advice' but suggests a more substantial recommendation.

A fair warning

Emphasizes the justness or appropriateness of the warning.

Be advised

A direct and somewhat formal way to introduce a warning.

Bear in mind

A concise way of urging someone to keep something important in their thoughts.

Take heed

An older, more traditional expression of caution.

Something to consider

Offers a more gentle nudge to think about potential issues.

It is important to remember

Highlights the significance of remembering a crucial point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a word of caution" in a sentence?

Introduce the phrase before stating the potential risk or problem. For example: "A word of caution: Excessive use of this feature may lead to performance issues."

What are some alternatives to "a word of caution" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "a note of warning", "a word of advice", or simply "be advised", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "a word of caution" in formal writing?

Yes, "a word of caution" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document. Alternatives like "it is important to remember" may also be appropriate.

How does "a word of caution" differ from "a warning"?

"A word of caution" often implies a more general alert to potential risks or considerations, while "a warning" tends to be more direct and urgent. The best choice depends on the severity and immediacy of the situation you're describing.