be careful of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be careful of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to warn someone to take caution when dealing with something. For example, "Be careful of the slippery floor while you walk through the lobby."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be careful of them.

WikiHow

Be careful of sparks.

WikiHow

Be careful of piercings.

WikiHow

Be careful of criticizing.

WikiHow

Be careful of strangers!

WikiHow

Be careful of fights.

WikiHow

Be careful of allergies.

WikiHow

Be Careful of Phishing.

WikiHow

Be careful of fire!

WikiHow

Be careful of clumps!

WikiHow

Be careful of monsters.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be careful of", specify the exact danger or risk to ensure clarity. For example, instead of saying "Be careful of the road", say "Be careful of the icy road".

Common error

Avoid using "be careful of" without providing context. Saying "Be careful of everything" is too vague and unhelpful. Always identify the specific hazard or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be careful of" functions as an imperative, primarily used to advise caution or warn someone about a potential danger, risk, or negative consequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be careful of" serves as an imperative, offering a word of caution regarding potential dangers. While grammatically sound and very common, its primary context lies within informal settings. Ludwig examples show it's widely used in everyday advice, mostly via Wiki articles. Remember, precision matters. Instead of generalized warnings, specify the exact danger you're cautioning against. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary of

Similar in meaning, but "be wary of" suggests a slightly stronger sense of suspicion or distrust.

be cautious of

Interchangeable in many contexts, emphasizing prudence and forethought.

exercise caution regarding

More formal, suitable for professional or academic writing.

take precautions against

Focuses on proactive measures to prevent negative outcomes.

watch out for

More colloquial, implying immediate or imminent danger.

mindful of

Suggests being aware and attentive to potential issues.

pay attention to

Emphasizes focusing on specific details or signs.

be on the lookout for

Implies actively searching for potential threats or problems.

be vigilant about

Stresses constant and careful observation.

consider the risks of

Highlights the importance of evaluating potential negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "be careful of" to warn someone about a potential danger or risk. For example, "Be careful of the broken glass on the floor" or "Be careful of making assumptions".

What's the difference between "be careful of" and "be cautious of"?

While similar, "be careful of" is generally used for immediate or obvious dangers, while "be cautious of" suggests a more thoughtful and prudent approach to potential risks. You can often use "be cautious of" as a substitute.

What can I say instead of "be careful of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be wary of", "watch out for", or "take precautions against".

Is it correct to say "be careful from" instead of "be careful of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "be careful" in this context is "of". Saying "be careful from" is grammatically incorrect.