Exercise excessive caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Exercise excessive caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advising someone to be very careful or to take extra precautions in a situation. Example: "Given the unpredictable weather conditions, it is advisable to exercise excessive caution while driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This will decrease the deterrence of the law (as a result of people knowing that it is now easier to get away with harmful acts) and reduce its chilling effect (people will be less likely to exercise excessive caution and refrain from engaging in benign acts for fear of having sanctions mistakenly imposed on them).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

After an October 2011 meeting between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and media owners about how to cover "news on terror," mainstream TV outlets were cowed and began to exercise excessive editorial caution.

The New York Times

The husbands resented their wives' excessive caution.

The New York Times - Science

"I view this as post-Enron excessive caution," he said.

The New York Times

Excessive caution may lead to boardroom and compliance stagnation.

The New York Times

Caution should be exercised as excessive use of triptans can cause medication overuse headache syndrome.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

She advised him to exercise more caution.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result, they exercise due caution.

The Guardian

Exercise extreme caution at all times.

The New York Times - Travel

He failed to exercise due caution".

The New York Times

Architects working here had to exercise extreme caution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "exercise excessive caution", provide specific examples of potential risks they should be aware of.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise excessive caution" in situations where a basic level of caution is already implied or expected. Instead, reserve it for circumstances with genuine, heightened risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Exercise excessive caution" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to take significant precautions. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct, reinforcing its usability in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Exercise excessive caution" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advise or warn about potential dangers, urging extreme carefulness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is suited for neutral and slightly formal contexts, with a primary function of providing imperative advice. Related phrases include "take extreme care" and "be overly cautious", offering similar semantic weight. It is important to use this phrase when specific risks exist, and to avoid overstating the obvious. Be specific with the kind of caution that must be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take extreme care

Emphasizes the need for a high degree of care.

Be overly cautious

Highlights being more cautious than necessary.

Proceed with great care

Suggests moving forward carefully and deliberately.

Be exceedingly careful

Stresses being extremely attentive to potential risks.

Practice utmost vigilance

Focuses on maintaining a high level of alertness and watchfulness.

Apply maximum prudence

Advocates for the application of sound judgement and foresight.

Handle with kid gloves

Implies dealing with something delicately and carefully.

Tread carefully

Suggests being cautious in one's actions or words.

Look before you leap

Highlights the importance of considering consequences before acting.

Better safe than sorry

Prioritizes safety and precaution to avoid potential negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "Exercise excessive caution" in a sentence?

You can use "Exercise excessive caution" to advise someone to be extremely careful. For example, "Given the unpredictable weather conditions, it is advisable to exercise excessive caution while driving."

What can I say instead of "Exercise excessive caution"?

You can use alternatives like "take extreme care", "be overly cautious", or "proceed with great care" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "Exercise excessive caution"?

It's appropriate when there's a genuine need for heightened awareness and precaution due to significant risks or potential dangers. Use it when emphasizing the importance of being extremely careful.

Is "Exercise excessive caution" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral, suitable for various contexts, but leaning toward a more formal tone than casual conversation. Depending on the audience, simpler alternatives like "be very careful" might be more appropriate.