are not to be taken lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not to be taken lightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the seriousness or importance of a situation, statement, or action. Example: "The consequences of ignoring safety protocols are not to be taken lightly, as they can lead to severe accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Taboos are not to be taken lightly.

The Guardian

Such threats are not to be taken lightly.

The Economist

Still, these warnings are not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times - Health

"The political risks are not to be taken lightly," Mr. Munton said.

The New York Times

But Dr. Anderson says semantics are not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times

Wild cards have won the last two World Series, serving notice that they are not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They aren't to be taken lightly".

Independent

Heat is not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times - Travel

This was not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times

"Culture is not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times

To be sure, Estonia is not to be taken lightly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not to be taken lightly", ensure the context clearly establishes what potential negative consequences or risks are associated with disregarding the issue at hand. This provides a stronger impact and emphasizes the need for careful consideration.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "are not to be taken lightly" can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "should not be underestimated" or "must be treated with caution" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not to be taken lightly" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing the importance or seriousness of a subject, situation, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

14%

Huffington Post

14%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Independent

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not to be taken lightly" serves to underscore the seriousness of a particular matter, advising caution and thorough consideration. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's found across diverse sources, especially News & Media, underscoring its adaptability and relevance in various contexts. Alternatives such as "should not be underestimated" and "must be treated with caution" can be employed for stylistic variation. Overusing the phrase could diminish its impact, so careful consideration should be given to sentence structure when employing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not be underestimated

Focuses on the potential impact or difficulty instead of the need for serious consideration.

must be treated with caution

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and awareness of potential risks.

cannot be ignored

Highlights the necessity of paying attention to something due to its importance.

should be given serious consideration

Emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation and thoughtfulness.

warrants careful attention

Indicates that something deserves focused observation and analysis.

demands respect

Highlights the importance of acknowledging and valuing something appropriately.

is a serious matter

Directly states the gravity of the situation or subject.

should not be dismissed

Focuses on avoiding the mistake of disregarding something important.

requires careful handling

Emphasizes the need for sensitive and skillful management.

presents a significant risk

Highlights the potential dangers or negative consequences involved.

FAQs

How can I use "are not to be taken lightly" in a sentence?

The phrase "are not to be taken lightly" is used to emphasize that something is serious and should be considered carefully. For example, "The potential risks of this investment "are not to be taken lightly"."

What's the difference between "are not to be taken lightly" and "are not to be taken seriously"?

"Are not to be taken lightly" implies a need for careful consideration due to potential consequences, while "are not to be taken seriously" suggests something lacks credibility or importance. The phrase "are not to be taken lightly" is thus used when something demands respect and attention.

What can I say instead of "are not to be taken lightly"?

You can use alternatives like "should not be underestimated", "must be treated with caution", or "cannot be ignored" depending on the context.

Is "are not to be taken lightly" formal or informal?

The phrase "are not to be taken lightly" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a more serious or cautionary tone.