Be careful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be careful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to take caution or to be mindful of potential dangers or risks. Example: "As you cross the street, be careful and look both ways before stepping off the curb."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be careful, will you?

The New Yorker

"Be careful," he says.

The New Yorker

Be careful folks!

The New York Times

"Be careful, please be careful".

Los Angeles Times

Be careful, they're fragile.

Los Angeles Times

Be careful.

Forbes

Be careful with bottles.

WikiHow

Be careful with green.

WikiHow

Be careful while playing.

WikiHow

Be careful of them.

WikiHow

Be careful when pegging.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Be careful" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the potential danger or risk you're warning about. This makes the advice more impactful and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "Be careful" as a generic, throwaway line without specifying what the person should be careful of. This can dilute the impact and make the warning seem insincere or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be careful" functions primarily as an imperative, serving to advise or warn someone to exercise caution. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it is used to alert individuals to potential dangers or risks in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

56%

News & Media

38%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Be careful" is a grammatically sound and very common imperative used to warn or advise someone to exercise caution. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, and the examples show its prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in Wiki and News & Media. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it remains a highly effective and frequently used expression for promoting safety and preventing harm. Remember to use it with specific context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exercise caution

Emphasizes the act of being cautious and deliberate.

Proceed with caution

Suggests moving forward, but with awareness of potential risks.

Take heed

A more formal way of advising someone to pay attention and be cautious.

Look out

A more direct and immediate warning of potential danger.

Watch out

Similar to "look out", indicating an immediate need for vigilance.

Stay safe

Focuses on maintaining safety and avoiding harm.

Be vigilant

Highlights the need for constant watchfulness and alertness.

Mind yourself

An idiomatic expression meaning to take care and be cautious.

Take care

A general expression of concern and a wish for someone's well-being.

Pay attention

Directs someone to focus on their surroundings and potential hazards.

FAQs

How can I use "Be careful" in a sentence?

You can use "Be careful" to warn someone about potential dangers. For example, "Be careful when crossing the street" or "Be careful with that knife".

What's a more formal alternative to "Be careful"?

In more formal settings, you could use phrases like "exercise caution" or "proceed with caution".

When is it appropriate to use "Be careful"?

"Be careful" is appropriate when you want to alert someone to a possible danger or risk. It's suitable for both casual and slightly more formal situations, depending on your tone.

Is there a difference between "Be careful" and "watch out"?

While both express caution, "Be careful" is a general warning, whereas "watch out" usually indicates an immediate and imminent danger requiring a quick reaction.