be careful

USAGE SUMMARY

"Be careful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express caution or warning. For example, "Be careful when crossing the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be Careful!

University of California, Berkeley

Be careful, will you?

The New Yorker

"Be careful," he says.

The New Yorker

"Well, Christ, be careful".

The New Yorker

Wilson better be careful.

The New York Times

In "Be Careful!

The New York Times

You should be careful.

The New Yorker

Be careful folks!

The New York Times

But be careful.

Stanford University

Be careful with decongestants.

Harvard University

So be careful.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "be careful", clearly state the potential danger or risk they need to be aware of to provide specific context and ensure understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "be careful" as a generic response. Always provide context or specify the potential danger to make the advice meaningful and actionable.

How to use

Learn how to use "be careful" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be careful" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to exercise caution. As supported by Ludwig, it is a direct and actionable expression, commonly used to warn someone of potential danger or risk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be careful" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to express caution or warn someone about potential dangers. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, evidenced by numerous examples across diverse sources, including News & Media and Academia. While versatile, providing specific context enhances its impact. Alternatives such as "take care" or "watch out" can be used depending on the situation. Remember to always provide context when possible to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take care

A general expression of concern for someone's well-being and safety.

watch out

Offers a more immediate and urgent warning of potential danger.

look out

A shorter and more direct warning of immediate danger.

exercise caution

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the act of being cautious.

proceed with caution

Advises a slow and deliberate approach to a potentially hazardous situation.

stay safe

Focuses on maintaining safety and well-being in potentially risky situations.

be vigilant

Stresses the importance of being alert and watchful.

take precautions

Emphasizes the proactive steps needed to avoid harm.

mind yourself

A more colloquial way to express concern for someone's safety.

heed my warning

Highlights the importance of paying attention to the warning being given.

FAQs

How can I use "be careful" in a sentence?

You can use "be careful" to warn someone about potential dangers. For example, "Be careful driving in the rain" or "be careful with that knife".

What are some alternatives to saying "be careful"?

Alternatives include phrases like "watch out", "take care", or "stay safe", depending on the context and the level of concern you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use "be careful"?

It's appropriate to use "be careful" when there is a potential risk of harm or danger. The phrase is suitable in both casual and professional settings, though the specific context might influence your word choice.

What's the difference between "be careful" and "take care"?

"Be careful" usually implies a specific, immediate danger, while "take care" is a more general expression of concern for someone's well-being. "Take care" is often used as a farewell.