Let me caution you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let me caution you" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to warn someone about a potential risk or issue they should be aware of. Example: "Let me caution you, investing in that stock could be very risky given the current market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Let me caution you when you start talking about 50-50 splits," Fehr said, and proceeded to explain why, in the union's view, the idea of a 50-50 split being fair is, in this case, a false construct.

The New York Times

"But let me caution you that it ain't over".

The New York Times

Although let me caution you from my own experience, if they are anything like our kids, getting them back on the plane after a visit to our beautiful west coast will really be a challenge".

The Guardian

However, before any young scientists start banking on a large increase in funding for science, let me caution you that we have heard these words before.

Science Magazine

But let me caution you, friends, there are traps once you're there -- traps that distract you from keeping your eye on the prize.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Let me caution everyone not to be confused".

Wikipedia

If the risk-to-reward profile here suits your emotional makeup, let me now caution you not to do anything foolish.

Forbes

This is the first sense in which caution is key, but let me suggest different ways that caution might also be seen as the theme of the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

But let me say I want to caution everyone that I will do everything I can to prevent anyone from using a projected future surplus as a pretext for returning to the failed policies of the past.

The New York Times

"Let me sound a note of caution.

The Guardian - Business

"This caution has let me sit down and ask a lot of questions about what I can really afford".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, follow "Let me caution you" with a clear and specific explanation of the risks or potential downsides. Avoid vague warnings.

Common error

Avoid using "Let me caution you" too frequently, as it can sound condescending. Vary your language to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let me caution you" functions as an imperative expression used to introduce a warning or piece of advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and serves to alert the listener to a potential risk. The provided examples showcase its use in various contexts, from financial advice to general warnings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Let me caution you" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for introducing a warning or advice. Ludwig AI indicates that its purpose is to alert someone to potential risks or problems in a thoughtful way. While it's not an extremely common phrase, it appears mostly in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, as overuse can sound condescending. Consider alternative phrases such as "I urge you to be careful" or "allow me to advise you" to vary your language and maintain a conversational tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow me to advise you

Uses "advise" instead of "caution", offering a slightly softer tone.

I feel I must warn you

Emphasizes the speaker's sense of obligation to deliver the warning.

I urge you to be careful

Highlights the need for caution and careful consideration.

Be advised that

A more formal and direct way to issue a warning.

It would be wise to consider

Shifts the focus to the listener's prudence.

A word of warning

Introduces a warning, often about something specific.

Bear in mind that

Draws attention to a potentially overlooked factor.

I should point out that

Subtly introduces a cautionary note.

Take heed

A more formal and emphatic way of urging caution.

Let me give you a heads up

Informal, conversational way of giving someone a warning.

FAQs

How can I use "Let me caution you" in a sentence?

You can use "Let me caution you" to introduce a warning or advice, such as "Let me caution you, investing in that stock could be very risky".

What are some alternatives to "Let me caution you"?

You can use alternatives like "allow me to advise you", "I feel I must warn you", or "I urge you to be careful", depending on the context.

Is "Let me caution you" formal or informal?

"Let me caution you" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "Let me caution you"?

It's appropriate to use "Let me caution you" when you want to gently warn someone about a potential risk or problem, or to advise them on a course of action.