I feel wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feel wary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express one's caution or suspicion about a person, situation, or circumstance. For example, you could say: "I feel wary about the forecast since the weather has been so unpredictable lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Sometimes I feel wary of the pressure that artists should be creating work that engages with "this time of ours".

The New Yorker

I feel wary of saying as much to him, half expecting him to walk off in a huff.

The Guardian

By Cressida Leyshon April 16, 2018 "Sometimes I feel wary of the pressure that artists should be creating work that engages with 'this time of ours,' " Li says.

The New Yorker

I feel wary.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Eliska slumped in her seat, dazed by the long night of drinking, and I felt wary of pressing her with questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

But there is no denying that some weeks I felt wary of the boxes of books that glowered at me from a corner of my sitting room.

The Guardian - Books

Before I knew it, we were kissing and she made it clear that she was willing to have sex that night, but I felt wary of her being quite drunk that we left it at that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was understandable, then, that I felt wary when I went to the house that Mr. Bond, 66, shares with his Viennese-born wife: part-19th-century, part-modern cottage, it is hidden from the road by trees in the countryside near Cambridge.

The New York Times

I would do it, I would' (Female, 25-34 yrs) 'I would feel wary about my little ones with someone I didn't really know' (Female, 25-34 yrs) Time was a commonly referenced issue particularly relevant to employed men and those with large families.

BMC Public Health

As a writer, I am supposed to feel wary of this turn of events.

TechCrunch

Is it any wonder young women feel wary about pursuing careers in these fields?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I feel wary" to express a mild sense of caution or apprehension, often based on intuition or a lack of complete information. It is suitable for expressing personal feelings in both informal and formal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, "I feel wary" can sound less professional in formal documents. Instead, consider using stronger or more precise alternatives such as "I have reservations", "I am concerned about", or "I am skeptical of" to convey a more authoritative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I feel wary" functions as a statement of subjective feeling. It expresses a personal sense of caution, apprehension, or distrust. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is used to convey one's guarded stance toward a situation or person. The Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I feel wary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a sense of caution or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and it strikes a neutral tone suitable for a variety of situations. While generally acceptable, consider the context and formality of your writing; more precise alternatives such as "I am concerned" or "I have reservations" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Remember to use this phrase to signal a potential risk or uncertainty that you perceive, justifying a cautious approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I feel leery

Synonymous but slightly less formal than "wary".

I feel uneasy

Conveys a general sense of discomfort or disquiet.

I am cautious

Focuses more on the careful and guarded aspect of feeling wary.

I am apprehensive

Expresses a more formal sense of unease or anxiety compared to feeling wary.

I feel doubtful

Highlights a lack of certainty or conviction.

I have misgivings

Indicates doubts or hesitations about something.

I am suspicious

Implies a stronger sense of distrust or belief that something is wrong.

I am on my guard

Suggests a state of readiness to defend against potential threats or problems.

I sense danger

Highlights an intuitive feeling that something harmful might happen.

I am skeptical

Expresses doubt about the truth or validity of something.

FAQs

What does "I feel wary" mean?

The phrase "I feel wary" means you're experiencing a sense of caution, apprehension, or distrust about something or someone. It suggests you're alert to potential danger or problems.

What can I say instead of "I feel wary"?

You can use alternatives like "I am apprehensive", "I am cautious", or "I feel uneasy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I feel wary"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. However, consider the formality of your writing and choose more precise language if needed. For instance, in formal contexts, phrases like "I have reservations" might be more appropriate.

How is "I feel wary" different from "I feel anxious"?

While both express unease, "I feel wary" suggests more of a cautious alertness to potential threats. "I feel anxious" implies a broader sense of worry or nervousness, which may not be tied to a specific perceived danger.