Be scrupulous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be scrupulous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be diligent, careful, and thorough in their actions or decisions. Example: "When handling sensitive information, be scrupulous to ensure that no details are overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Be scrupulous in your response when people are branded anti-Semites – particularly if their accuser is a loyal friend of Israel.

Independent

Be scrupulous in preparing any casserole that may contain fish or chicken or pork with bones.

WikiHow

It's not a Sisyphean task to be scrupulous about using personal e-mail for nongovernment missives.

The New York Times

As producers of new journalism, they can be scrupulous with facts and transparent with their sources.

The Economist

"Probably because it was Arthur Andersen," Mr. Adler said, "they wanted to be scrupulous".

The New York Times

Mr. Muasher said implementation of the peace plan should be "scrupulous" and without modifications.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The accounting is scrupulous.

The New Yorker

"Madala was scrupulous," said Mr. Smith.

The New York Times

His musicianship is scrupulous without being fussy.

The New York Times

His judgments are scrupulous and levelheaded.

The New York Times

And Thomas, in his way, is scrupulous.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be scrupulous" in contexts where ethical considerations or accuracy are paramount. This emphasizes the importance of integrity and precision in the given situation.

Common error

While "scrupulous" emphasizes thoroughness, avoid using it in overly casual situations. Simpler phrases like "be careful" or "pay attention" are often more appropriate for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be scrupulous" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to act with great care, precision, and thoroughness. It often implies a need for high ethical standards or meticulous attention to detail, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Be scrupulous" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that advises acting with exceptional care, precision, and ethical consideration. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears most often in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. To ensure effective communication, use this phrase when emphasizing the need for thoroughness and integrity. Avoid overusing it in casual situations, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. When advising others, clearly specify the areas where meticulous attention is required to provide focused guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be conscientious

Highlights the moral aspect of being careful and responsible.

Maintain meticulousness

Focuses on extreme precision and attention to detail.

Exercise diligence

Implies a consistent and careful effort in performing a task.

Be exceedingly thorough

Emphasizes the need for completeness in one's approach.

Be punctilious

Indicates strict adherence to rules and formalities.

Be vigilant

Stresses the importance of being watchful and alert to potential issues.

Pay close attention

Directs focus to being observant and heedful.

Act with integrity

Emphasizes honesty and strong moral principles in one's actions.

Observe best practices

Highlights adherence to established and recommended procedures.

Take great care

A more general instruction to be cautious and attentive.

FAQs

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

You can use "Be scrupulous" to advise someone to be extremely careful and thorough, like in the sentence, "When handling sensitive data, "be scrupulous" about protecting user privacy".

What's the difference between "Be scrupulous" and "Be careful"?

"Be careful" is a general warning to avoid harm, while "Be scrupulous" suggests being meticulously thorough and attentive to detail, especially concerning ethics or accuracy.

What are some synonyms for "Be scrupulous"?

Alternatives to "Be scrupulous" include "be meticulous", "be conscientious", and "exercise diligence", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of thoroughness and care.

Is it appropriate to use "Be scrupulous" in a formal setting?

Yes, "Be scrupulous" is suitable for formal settings, especially when advising someone to adhere to high standards of ethics, accuracy, or thoroughness. For example, in a legal context, you might say "Be scrupulous in your documentation".