To be cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To be cautious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to act carefully or to consider potential risks before taking action. Example: "In this situation, it is important to be cautious and weigh all your options before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You've got to be cautious".

The New York Times

And chefs do need to be cautious.

The New York Times - Food

Meanwhile, she advises singles to be cautious.

The New York Times

Here, Cilic had to be cautious.

The New York Times

Mr Rajan chose to be cautious.

The Economist

You're always trying to be cautious.

The New York Times - Sports

She is right to be cautious.

The Economist

Investors had reason to be cautious.

The Economist

Germany has reason to be cautious.

The New York Times

But there are reasons to be cautious.

The New York Times - Health

Both fighters tend to be cautious.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "to be cautious", provide specific examples of potential risks and how to mitigate them to make your advice more actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "to be cautious" as a blanket statement without context. Instead, specify what actions require caution and why. For instance, instead of simply saying "You need to be cautious", specify "You need to be cautious when sharing personal information online to avoid identity theft."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be cautious" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a clause to express advice, a recommendation, or a warning. It indicates a need for careful consideration and awareness of potential risks. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be cautious" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advise or warn about potential risks and the need for careful consideration. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and it frequently appears in news and media sources. While versatile, it's most effective when paired with specific details about the situation and potential risks involved. Alternatives like "to exercise caution" and "to proceed with care" offer similar meanings, but with slight nuances that can be tailored to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To exercise caution

Replaces "be" with the verb "exercise", emphasizing the active implementation of carefulness.

To proceed with care

Focuses on the manner of moving forward, highlighting attentiveness to potential problems.

To remain vigilant

Shifts the focus to constant watchfulness and alertness.

To take precautions

Emphasizes proactive measures taken to avoid potential harm or negative consequences.

To be on one's guard

Idiomatic expression indicating readiness to defend against potential threats.

To think twice

Highlights careful consideration and reflection before acting.

To look before you leap

Emphasizes the importance of assessing a situation thoroughly before taking action.

To play it safe

Suggests choosing the least risky option to avoid potential problems.

To act prudently

Emphasizes acting with wisdom and good judgment.

To handle with care

Highlights the need for gentleness and attentiveness to avoid damage or harm.

FAQs

How can I use "to be cautious" in a sentence?

You can use "to be cautious" when advising someone to act carefully or to consider potential risks. For example, "In this situation, it's important "to be cautious" and weigh all your options before making a decision."

What phrases are similar to "to be cautious"?

Similar phrases include "to exercise caution", "to proceed with care", or "to remain vigilant". These alternatives emphasize the need for carefulness and awareness of potential risks.

Is it better to say "to be cautious" or "to be careful"?

Both "to be cautious" and "to be careful" are acceptable. "To be cautious" often implies a need to consider potential risks and consequences, while "to be careful" generally means paying attention to avoid mistakes or accidents.

When is it appropriate to advise someone "to be cautious"?

It's appropriate to advise someone "to be cautious" when they are about to undertake a task or enter a situation where there are potential risks, uncertainties, or negative consequences. For instance, when investing money or sharing personal information online.