a sense of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of caution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's behavior or attitude towards a situation, indicating that they are being careful and thoughtful before taking action. Example: "The hikers proceeded with a sense of caution as they navigated the treacherous terrain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Older citizens voted for it out of a sense of caution.

The New Yorker

"I think people are feeling better about it, but there's still a sense of caution".

The New York Times - Sports

Such intimidation has induced a sense of caution, verging on self-censorship, among other journalists.

The Economist

Although good feelings abounded Friday afternoon, so did a sense of caution.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ryan said prosecutors were waiting out of a sense of caution and responsibility.

The New York Times

And yet there was a sense of caution, of remaining within the rules.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

For it is Mr Obama who has imposed a sense of deep caution on his administration's Syria policy.

The Economist

Those hearings could add to a sense of political caution at the F.A.A., though its engineers have said they believe that Boeing's changes are working.

The New York Times

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said the London property market was particularly affected by a heightened sense of caution following a strong signal from the Bank's governor, Mark Carney, that the Bank is prepared to act to cool the market if necessary.

The Guardian - Business

Despite a slow start and a lingering sense of caution among issuers, Canada's initial public offering market picked up through the first quarter, and by the time the quarter was over, the number and value of offerings were sharply higher than a year earlier.

The New York Times

Also cited as a bullish sign is a persistent sense of caution about stocks among individual investors, institutions and investment advisers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of caution" to describe an atmosphere or general feeling within a group or organization, for example: "There was "a sense of caution" in the company after the security breach."

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of caution" when "fear" or "paranoia" would be more accurate. Caution implies a reasoned approach to risk, while fear suggests a more irrational response. Ensure the context reflects measured assessment rather than panic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of caution" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an awareness and careful consideration of potential risks or dangers. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of caution" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a state of careful awareness and prudence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is often employed in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts to convey a measured approach to risk. While alternatives like "a feeling of wariness" or "a degree of prudence" exist, "a sense of caution" specifically emphasizes a reasoned consideration of potential dangers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context reflects a thoughtful assessment rather than irrational fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of wariness

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of being careful due to perceived danger.

a degree of prudence

Highlights the quality of being wise and careful in practical affairs.

a watchful attitude

Emphasizes the act of observing and being alert to potential problems.

a careful approach

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful manner of dealing with something.

a restrained demeanor

Implies a controlled behavior due to possible negative consequences.

a measured response

Suggests a deliberate and calculated reaction to a situation.

circumspect behavior

Highlights the act of being unwilling to take risks.

a guarded stance

Suggests a defensive posture, both physically and mentally.

a cautious outlook

Focuses on the mindset of carefully evaluating situations before acting.

prudent consideration

Highlights the act of thinking carefully and wisely about something.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of caution" in a sentence?

You can use "a sense of caution" to describe an atmosphere, a feeling, or an approach to a situation. For instance, "The investors proceeded with "a sense of caution" due to the market's volatility."

What phrases are similar to "a sense of caution"?

Alternatives include "a feeling of wariness", "a degree of prudence", or "a careful approach" depending on the specific context.

Is "a sense of caution" the same as "a feeling of fear"?

No, "a sense of caution" implies a reasoned and measured approach to potential risks, while a "feeling of fear" suggests a more emotional and potentially irrational response. Caution involves awareness and careful planning, whereas fear often involves anxiety and dread.

When is it appropriate to use "a sense of caution" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a sense of caution" when describing situations where careful consideration and risk assessment are paramount. For example, you might describe a negotiator approaching a sensitive topic with "a careful approach" because of "a feeling of wariness" towards potential pitfalls.