a caution against

USAGE SUMMARY

"a caution against" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce a warning or piece of advice to be mindful of something. Example: The government's recent report serves as a caution against the dangers of global warming and the urgent need for action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A caution against marauding foreigners and invading foreign values?

The Guardian - Film

As a caution against this, however, City Ballet revived Wayne McGregor's "Outlier" on Saturday afternoon.

The New York Times - Arts

Altogether Foreman's remarkable book should be a caution against one foolish phrase.

The New York Times - Books

He recalled that as the survivors moved down the stairs, firefighters had told them to walk away and not to look back, a caution against falling debris.

The New York Times

None of this could have been foreseen by Bosch, for whom The Garden Of Earthly Delights was probably a caution against the unending hazards of sin.

The Guardian - Arts

Holding his own candidacy up as a caution against predictions, he said, "Look, people said I was dead in June and July as you will remember".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In a time of euphoria about democracy around the globe, "From Voting to Violence" serves as a useful caution against a wave of electoral triumphalism.

The New York Times - Books

And it, too, serves as a useful caution against the natural preference for tidy stories with well-defined heroes.

The New York Times - Books

We will not hold a saving caution against Obama.

Huffington Post

This may have caused a persisting caution against dietary supplements among previous or current warfarin users.

BMJ Open

Demonizing credit creation because of prior lax standards risks an excessive caution against further debt, and that is exactly the wrong path.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a caution against", ensure the context clearly identifies what action or belief is being cautioned against. For instance, "The study serves as a caution against interpreting preliminary results as conclusive evidence."

Common error

Avoid treating "a caution against" as an absolute prohibition. It highlights potential risks or drawbacks, not necessarily insurmountable obstacles. For example, "a caution against" rapid expansion doesn't mean growth is impossible, but that it requires careful planning and execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a caution against" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a warning or piece of advice. It sets the stage for explaining what specific action or belief should be approached with care. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a caution against" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that introduces a warning or advice. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, serving to discourage specific actions or beliefs due to potential risks. It maintains a neutral to formal register and is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific domains. Remember that it highlights potential risks, not necessarily insurmountable obstacles, and should not be misinterpreted as a guarantee.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a warning against

Replaces "caution" with "warning", emphasizing potential danger.

a deterrent to

Focuses on discouraging action through fear of consequences.

a word of warning regarding

Adds a more personal and cautionary tone.

an admonition against

Implies a more formal and authoritative warning.

a preventative measure for

Shifts the focus to proactive prevention of negative outcomes.

something to be wary of

Highlights the need for vigilance and careful consideration.

a reason for apprehension about

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety or fear regarding a situation.

a signal to be careful with

Indicates the presence of something that needs handling with care.

a red flag for

Uses a visual metaphor to suggest a significant warning sign.

a call to prudence regarding

Suggests a need for wisdom and sound judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "a caution against" in a sentence?

Use "a caution against" to introduce a warning or advice, for example: "The report serves as "a caution against" complacency in cybersecurity."

What are some alternatives to "a caution against"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a warning against", "a deterrent to", or "a preventative measure for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "caution about" or "caution against"?

"Caution about" typically refers to being careful or mindful of something, while "a caution against" implies advising against a specific action or belief. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does "a caution against" typically imply?

"A caution against" suggests a need for careful consideration and awareness of potential negative consequences before taking a particular course of action. It highlights potential risks or drawbacks associated with that action.