act with caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"act with caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone should be careful and prudent in their actions. For example, "Given the changing situation, the manager advised his team to act with caution when making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Trump should act with caution.

The Washington Post

However, researchers must act with caution in research and development to avoid misleading society.

Trends in Biotechnology

He says that he needed to announce deep cuts because he needed to act with "caution".

The Guardian

If he was ever stopped by the police, she advised him to act with caution.

The Guardian

Coaches' pleas to act with caution can fall on some young and immature ears.

The New York Times - Sports

What emerges clearly from the new F.D.A. warning is that people should act with caution on both fronts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Elsewhere, though, he has acted with caution.

The New Yorker

Many tabloids have a history of rushing to press with flimsy stories that turn out to be fake, but "Entertainment Tonight" has historically acted with caution.

The New York Times

As a result, risk-averse foreign drug companies and international banks, eager to avoid accidentally triggering penalties, have acted with caution.

The Guardian

On hearing gunshots, Riham and her friends acted with caution, and the teenager led by example and told all students to stay indoors and avoid any suspicious-looking objects.

Unicef

McConnell added that anyone approaching railway tracks should act with "extreme caution".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "act with caution", provide specific examples of potential risks they should consider. This makes the advice more actionable and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "act with caution" as a blanket statement without explaining the specific context or potential dangers. Always provide specific reasons why caution is necessary in the given situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act with caution" primarily functions as an advisory expression, urging careful and deliberate behavior to mitigate potential risks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It instructs someone to be mindful of possible dangers and to avoid rash actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act with caution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that advises prudence and careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles, this phrase serves as a reminder to evaluate risks before taking action. To enhance clarity, always contextualize the advice with specific examples. Remember that while "act with caution" is a valuable guiding principle, it shouldn't be used as an overgeneralized statement without providing relevant reasons or scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed with care

Emphasizes careful and attentive progress, highlighting the need for vigilance.

exercise prudence

Focuses on wise and judicious behavior, suggesting foresight and thoughtful action.

be circumspect

Highlights the need for being wary and unwilling to take risks.

take precautions

Stresses the importance of implementing safety measures to mitigate potential dangers.

handle with care

Implies a delicate approach, suggesting sensitivity and awareness of fragility.

tread carefully

Suggests a measured and thoughtful approach, particularly in sensitive or risky situations.

be vigilant

Emphasizes the need for being constantly watchful and alert to potential threats.

mind your step

A directive to pay attention to where one is going, both literally and figuratively.

look before you leap

An idiomatic expression encouraging forethought before taking action.

play it safe

Prioritizes minimizing risk and avoiding potentially hazardous choices.

FAQs

What does it mean to "act with caution"?

To "act with caution" means to proceed carefully and deliberately, being mindful of potential risks and consequences. It involves thinking through possible outcomes before taking action.

How can I /s/exercise+prudence when making financial decisions?

To /s/exercise+prudence when making financial decisions, research thoroughly, seek advice from experts, and consider all potential risks and rewards before committing your resources. Avoid impulsive decisions based on hype or speculation.

In what situations is it especially important to "act with caution"?

It's particularly important to "act with caution" in situations involving significant risk, uncertainty, or potential harm. This could include business negotiations, medical procedures, or any scenario where the consequences of a mistake could be severe.

Are there times when it's better to be bold rather than "act with caution"?

While "acting with caution" is generally advisable, there are situations where a more decisive or bold approach may be necessary. This often depends on the specific context, the potential rewards, and the level of risk tolerance. However, even in such cases, a degree of calculated risk assessment is beneficial.