a note of caution that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a note of caution that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you are about to present an important or cautionary piece of advice. For example, "I'd like to offer a note of caution that this investment carries a high degree of risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Don't get my people worried," Martínez said, before adding a note of caution that might make them worry.

The New York Times - Sports

"Too treacherous," said a colleague of Mr. Luzi, a note of caution that did little to inspire confidence.

The New York Times

However Milliken, who will attend the Kasane conference on Wednesday, struck a note of caution that will not be popular with everyone.

The Guardian

With all that said, Cindy Cohn of EFF, who was on the day's first panel and stayed for the exceptional-access proposals, raised a note of caution that I think is worth repeating here.

Stanford University

Bart Chilton, a Democratic member of the C.F.T.C. who supported the rule but sounded a note of caution that the $8 billion threshold "erred on the high side," welcomed the study as a way to add clarity to the debate.

The New York Times

Analysts at Investec say that, given the significance of the UK to the European aviation market, they reckon a special case will be made, but add a note of caution that easyJet is the firm most at risk if something goes wrong.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But because a cleanup decision on the Hudson has been delayed so many times, some people also struck a distinct note of caution that their fight for the river was not over yet.

The New York Times

But she sounded a note of caution, saying that she supported a move toward "comprehensive" measures of efficacy, but that the fund "should not become a specialized boutique to reduce unemployment".

The New York Times

But she sounds a note of caution, saying that she has lost far more auctions than she has won, and that there does not appear to be a way to gain a persistent edge over rival bidders.

The New York Times - Tech

She also sounded a note of caution, saying that her organization would keep pressure on the city to make sure "that photographers and filmmakers can take pictures without a permit and without $1 million of insurance as long as they're not interfering with anybody else going about their business".

The New York Times

Elsewhere, however, Screen International struck a note of caution, admitting that In the Loop was likely to play well in the UK but suggesting that American audiences might now want to put the film's subject matter behind them.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "a note of caution that," ensure the subsequent statement is specific and actionable. Avoid vague warnings.

Common error

Avoid using "a note of caution that" simply as a filler phrase. Always follow it with a genuine and relevant warning or qualification. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem less sincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a note of caution that" functions as a transitional phrase, typically introducing a statement that qualifies a preceding assertion or highlights a potential risk. As noted by Ludwig AI, it signals the introduction of cautionary advice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a note of caution that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a qualification, warning, or potential drawback. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its suitability for formal and neutral communication. To maximize its impact, ensure the phrase is followed by specific and relevant information, avoiding overuse to maintain sincerity and prevent dilution of its cautionary effect. Related phrases such as "a word of warning that" or "a caveat that" can provide alternative ways to express a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a word of warning that

Replaces "note" with "word", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the cautionary intent.

a cautionary remark that

Substitutes "note" with "remark", emphasizing the spoken or written nature of the warning.

a reason to be cautious that

Shifts the focus to the underlying cause for caution, rather than the expression of caution itself.

a caveat that

More concise and emphasizes a specific condition or limitation.

a cause for concern that

Highlights the element of worry or apprehension associated with the situation.

a warning that

Direct and explicit, removing the nuance of "note" for a stronger emphasis on potential danger.

it should be noted that with caution

More formal and emphasizes the act of noting something while exercising caution.

it's important to remember that with caution

Shifts the focus to the act of remembering, highlighting the need for vigilance.

one must be careful that

Introduces a sense of personal responsibility and carefulness.

we should be mindful that

Emphasizes the need for awareness and attentiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "a note of caution that" in a sentence?

You can use "a note of caution that" to introduce a statement highlighting potential risks or drawbacks, such as, "While the project shows promise, there's "a note of caution that" unforeseen challenges could arise".

What's a good alternative to "a note of caution that"?

Alternatives to "a note of caution that" include phrases like "a word of warning that", "a caveat that", or "it should be noted that with caution", each offering slightly different nuances.

Is it always necessary to follow "a note of caution that" with a negative statement?

While "a note of caution that" often precedes a warning or potential drawback, it can also introduce a qualification or condition. The key is to provide additional context or nuance.

How does "a note of caution that" differ from a simple warning?

"A note of caution that" is typically less direct and forceful than a simple warning. It's used to introduce a more nuanced or qualified concern, whereas a warning is a more explicit statement of potential danger.