Please beware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please beware" is correct in written English and can be used in many situations.
For example, you could write, "Please beware of the slippery ice on the sidewalk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Please beware and anticipate, and take preventive steps against the WannaCry malware attack," Indonesia's communication and information minister, Rudiantara, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, said Sunday at a news conference.

The New York Times

"Please beware that Detekt is a best effort tool," they write.

TechCrunch

Please beware.

Huffington Post

(Please beware that this video may not be suitable for young children as it deals with the torture of horses).

Huffington Post

Please beware that communication goes far beyond complaint resolution.

WikiHow

Please beware that you may be accessing that website illegally.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Throw 'nanka' in anywhere you please, but beware, too many nankas sounds like a teenagerish "like...like...like" in English.

WikiHow

As a Miami personal injury lawyer who has argued many cases against Walt Disney World as well as hundreds of other hospitality properties in premises-liability cases, I feel that there is a huge difference between signs that read "No Swimming Please" and "Warning: Beware of Alligators".

Huffington Post

Provincetown in September: Beware Paradise "Please keep door closed.

Huffington Post

"BEWARE Nazi-pigs on Twitter! @Heil_Hitler_88 Please block so that the account gets deleted.

TechCrunch

Employers beware.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Please beware" to preface a specific warning or potential danger. It sets a tone of gentle caution while highlighting the importance of the information that follows.

Common error

Avoid using "Please beware" in very casual settings where a simpler "Be careful" or "Watch out" would be more appropriate. The formality of "beware" can sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please beware" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising the audience to be cautious. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used to preface warnings or potential dangers. The examples show it introducing content ranging from malware attacks to potentially unsuitable video content.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please beware" serves as a grammatically sound and commonly employed phrase to introduce warnings or cautions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While suitable for various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific writing, it is crucial to recognize its slightly formal tone and avoid overuse in overly casual settings. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to prepare an audience for potentially significant or risky information, encouraging them to exercise caution. Remember to use related phrases or make slight modifications depending on the specific context. Ultimately, choosing the correct level of formality is key when deciding to employ "Please beware".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be careful

General warning to avoid harm.

Exercise caution

More formal and emphasizes thoughtful action.

Kindly be cautious

More polite and formal.

Please be advised

Formal and often used in official announcements.

Be warned

More direct and forceful.

Take heed

More literary and archaic.

Be vigilant

Implies a need for constant watchfulness.

Pay attention

Emphasizes focus and alertness.

Keep an eye out

More informal and suggests watching for something specific.

Mind you

Adds a nuance of gentle warning or reminder.

FAQs

How to use "Please beware" in a sentence?

The phrase "Please beware" is used to introduce a warning or caution. For example, "Please beware of the slippery ice on the sidewalk" or "Please beware, this video may not be suitable for young children".

What can I say instead of "Please beware"?

You can use alternatives like "be careful", "be warned", or "exercise caution" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Please beware" or "Please be aware"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Please beware" implies a potential danger or threat, while "please be aware" is a general request for attention or knowledge.

Is "Please beware" formal or informal?

"Please beware" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "Watch out" or "be careful". It is suitable for situations where a serious warning is necessary but should be delivered politely.