a wariness of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wariness of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a cautious or hesitant attitude towards something or someone. Example: "Her wariness of strangers made her hesitant to engage in conversations with new people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

You sense an anxious risk and a wariness of the arbitrary.

The New Yorker

But a lack of money and a wariness of exploitation has stifled most efforts.

The New York Times

Although confusion reigned among many riders, much of it seemed to stem from a wariness of the unknown.

The New York Times

Graham professes a wariness of Obama that goes back to the comprehensive immigration-reform bill in 2007.

The New York Times - Magazine

The history of abandonment and failed promises sowed a deep sense of isolation and a wariness of outsiders.

The New Yorker

Other members may have been expressing dislike of some of Mr. Mersch's  economic ideas — in particular a wariness of inflation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Australia may have a conservative streak, a national wariness of change and an aversion to drama, but unlike the USA, we are not puritans.

Vice

I own this neighborhood now.'" A bold coyote that lacks a natural wariness of humans can be a problematic one.

The New York Times

His tenacity has been matched by a watchfulness, a wariness, born of knowing that careless words could cost precious votes.

The New York Times - Sports

"We started out without much of a relationship at all and with a certain wariness of each other," Keller told me, but it wasn't "a question of whether Arthur and I like each other.

The New Yorker

Still, if Ridley's biography displays a rightful wariness of caricature, it could use a few more characterizations.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wariness of", ensure the object of the preposition 'of' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a wariness of new technologies" rather than a vague "a wariness".

Common error

Avoid using "a wariness of" without a specific object. For example, instead of saying "There's a general wariness", specify what the wariness is directed towards to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wariness of" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a state of being cautious or distrustful. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in expressing cautious attitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wariness of" is a commonly used phrase to express caution or distrust. Ludwig AI validates this by confirming it is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, signifying a neutral to professional tone. To maximize clarity, always specify what the wariness is directed towards, avoiding vague generalizations. Related phrases include "a distrust of" and "a caution towards", each carrying slightly different nuances. By considering these nuances, writers can select the most precise language to express their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distrust of

Emphasizes a lack of trust or confidence, suggesting a stronger negative feeling than simple wariness.

a caution towards

Highlights prudence and carefulness, focusing on the need to avoid potential danger or mistakes.

an apprehension about

Suggests anxiety or fear about a future event or situation.

a skepticism regarding

Implies doubt or disbelief, specifically questioning the validity or truth of something.

a hesitancy concerning

Focuses on the act of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty or reluctance.

a reservation about

Indicates a hidden doubt or objection, suggesting an incomplete agreement or acceptance.

a guardedness regarding

Emphasizes a protective or defensive attitude, suggesting a fear of vulnerability.

a reluctance towards

Highlights unwillingness or resistance, suggesting a conscious decision to avoid something.

a disinclination for

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or desire, suggesting a mild aversion.

a lack of confidence in

Stresses a deficiency in trust or assurance, suggesting a belief in potential failure or inadequacy.

FAQs

How can I use "a wariness of" in a sentence?

You can use "a wariness of" to describe a cautious or distrustful attitude towards something. For example, "The public has "a wariness of" government surveillance programs".

What are some alternatives to "a wariness of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a wariness of" include "a distrust of", "a caution towards", or "an apprehension about".

Is it correct to say "a wariness for" instead of "a wariness of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "wariness" is "of". "A wariness for" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""a wariness of"".

What's the difference between "a wariness of" and "a fear of"?

"A wariness of" implies a cautious or guarded attitude, while "a fear of" indicates a stronger feeling of anxiety or dread. Wariness is more about distrust or caution, whereas fear is about intense apprehension.