I cautioned that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cautioned that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a warning or advice about a particular situation or action. Example: "I cautioned that proceeding without a plan could lead to unforeseen consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In my Nov. 18, 1996 column, I cautioned that the stock market was in a bubble phase, and when compared with bonds, stocks were expensive.

Forbes

"I cautioned that it was not likely that we'd see it anytime soon," he admits in the book.

Huffington Post

In an earlier piece in the Huffington Post, published on April 14 , 2015 I cautioned that Puerto Rico's bondholders were going to have some sleepless nights.

Huffington Post

But I cautioned that "Obama and his aides would still have to contend with trying to broker a deal that requires concessions that neither the Israeli nor Palestinian leaders are willing to deliver any time soon.

Huffington Post

In a speech in 1998, I cautioned that one of the unintended consequences of fat profits over a long period is the tendency of governments and private corporations to start believing in fantasies about living happily ever after in the glory of ever-rising profits.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As a parent living outside of Tynker for Schools' earlier test market -the San Francisco Bay area, of course* – I've been cautioned that school choice matters some, but education at home is what really drives a child to succeed.

TechCrunch

I was whatsoever cautioned that happiness has a very precise, Maslowian interpretation.

Huffington Post

"But I caution that we've already discounted a great deal of anxiety in the market".

The New York Times

I caution that it is a draft, so we don't know what final language will make it into the report.

The New York Times

Asked on BBC2' s Newsnight if the air strikes would continue for as long as four years, Mr Hammond said: "I hope it won't be four years, but I caution that it isn't going to be months".

Independent

I understand your motivations in wanting to diversify your portfolio of investments, but I caution that your actions are reckless and potentially financially damaging to you and your fans.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I cautioned that", ensure the statement that follows is clear and specific. Avoid vague warnings that lack actionable information.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I cautioned that" without varying your sentence structure. This can make your writing monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing and provide more context to keep the writing fresh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cautioned that" functions as a declarative statement introducing a warning or piece of advice. It signals the speaker's intent to alert the listener or reader to potential risks or negative outcomes. As supported by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I cautioned that" serves as a preface to a warning or advice, signaling the speaker's intent to alert others to potential risks or negative outcomes. According to Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, primarily in News & Media sources, demonstrate its effectiveness in professional and neutral contexts. To enhance writing quality, avoid overusing the phrase and always provide clear context to your caution. As supported by Ludwig AI, the expression is perfectly appropriate. Alternatives include "I warned that" or "I advised that", offering slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I warned that

This alternative uses a stronger verb to convey a more forceful warning.

I advised that

This suggests a more consultative tone, offering guidance based on knowledge.

I cautioned him that

This specifies the recipient of the caution, adding clarity.

I urged caution regarding

This shifts the focus to the need for care in a specific area.

I recommended avoiding

This offers a direct suggestion to steer clear of something.

I pointed out the risks of

This highlights potential dangers, emphasizing awareness.

I expressed concern that

This communicates worry about a potential negative outcome.

I alerted them to the possibility that

This informs others about a potential, often negative, situation.

I foresaw that

This indicates prediction of a future event, usually negative.

I anticipated potential problems with

This denotes prior awareness of possible issues or difficulties.

FAQs

What does "I cautioned that" mean?

The phrase "I cautioned that" means that the speaker issued a warning or gave advice about something, often implying potential risks or negative consequences.

How can I use "I cautioned that" in a sentence?

You can use "I cautioned that" to introduce a warning or piece of advice. For example, "I cautioned that proceeding without a plan could lead to unforeseen consequences".

What are some alternatives to "I cautioned that"?

You can use alternatives like "I warned that", "I advised that", or "I recommended that" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey. See also: "I warned that", "I advised that".

Is it okay to use "I cautioned that" in formal writing?

Yes, "I cautioned that" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize your personal assessment or prior warning about a situation. However, in some cases, a more direct statement like "It should be noted that..." might be preferred.