an abundance of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an abundance of caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is taking extra precautions or being overly careful in a situation. Example: "Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone the event until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Just an abundance of caution," he murmured.

The New York Times

Mr. Yassky attributed the move to "an abundance of caution".

The New York Times

"We are going with an abundance of caution," Yantis said Tuesday.

The Guardian

A recall was being maintained, officials said, "out of an abundance of caution".

The New York Times

In an abundance of caution, the F.B.I. has provided this threat advisory".

The New York Times

Officials made it clear that they didn't know but were exercising an abundance of caution.

The New York Times

My opinion is that museum boards must view deaccessioning with an abundance of caution.

The New York Times

"This is a voluntary thing out of an abundance of caution," she said.

The New York Times

- Inspired by "an abundance of caution" Obama retakes the oath a day after stumbling on it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's an abundance-of-caution issue".

Huffington Post

Times Mirror said that, using an "abundance of caution," it was taking a reserve.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an abundance of caution" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is taken to minimize potential risks, even if those risks seem unlikely. It's often used in situations where the consequences of not being careful could be significant.

Common error

While "an abundance of caution" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché and less impactful. Instead, consider using more specific language to describe the actions taken and the reasons behind them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an abundance of caution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "out of", "with") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an abundance of caution" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to justify taking extra precautions, often when potential risks are uncertain but significant. As Ludwig AI points out, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While effective, avoid overuse and consider more specific language for clarity. Alternatives include "extreme cautiousness" or "utmost care" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme cautiousness

Emphasizes the intensity of caution taken.

utmost care

Highlights the high degree of attentiveness and care.

great prudence

Focuses on wise and careful decision-making.

extra vigilance

Stresses heightened watchfulness and alertness.

heightened safety measures

Indicates increased actions to ensure safety.

enhanced precautions

Highlights the improvements made to safety measures.

proactive safeguards

Emphasizes taking preventative measures to ensure safety.

exceptional circumspection

Stresses careful consideration of all circumstances.

meticulous attentiveness

Highlights the thorough and detailed nature of the attention given.

deliberate meticulousness

Highlights the thorough and intentional nature of the actions taken.

FAQs

How can I use "an abundance of caution" in a sentence?

You can use "an abundance of caution" to explain why extra precautions are being taken, as in "The event was postponed out of "an abundance of caution" due to the approaching storm".

What's a good alternative to "an abundance of caution"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extreme cautiousness", "utmost care", or "great prudence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "an abundance of caution" or "extreme caution"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "an abundance of caution" often implies a more proactive and deliberate approach to risk management, while "extreme caution" simply indicates a high degree of carefulness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an abundance of caution"?

It's appropriate when describing actions taken to mitigate potential risks, especially when the risks are uncertain or the potential consequences are severe. For example, a company might issue a recall out of "an abundance of caution" after discovering a potential safety issue.