be careful with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be careful with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give someone a warning or cautionary advice. For example, "Be careful with what you post online, as it can have long-term consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be careful with those.

The New York Times

Be careful with bottles.

WikiHow

Be careful with green.

WikiHow

Be careful with surfaces.

WikiHow

Be careful with temperature.

WikiHow

Be careful with dating.

WikiHow

Be careful with mothballs.

WikiHow

Be careful with requests.

WikiHow

Be careful with heating.

WikiHow

Be careful with gossip!

WikiHow

Be careful with apps.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, follow "be careful with" with a clear explanation of the potential risk or consequence. For example, "Be careful with the knife; it's very sharp."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "be careful with" in your writing. Vary your language by using more specific warnings or instructions to provide clearer guidance and maintain reader engagement.

How to use

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

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be careful with" primarily functions as an imperative, used to issue a warning or provide cautionary advice. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's utility in offering warnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

80%

News & Media

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be careful with" serves as a common and direct way to advise caution, predominantly found in informal contexts such as WikiHow. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in issuing warnings. While versatile, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "exercise caution with" or "handle with care" can enhance your writing. Remember to provide specific reasons for caution to ensure clear communication and prevent potential errors in understanding. Use "be careful with" when you want to highlight a potential danger, but be sure to clearly articulate what that danger is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch out for

This alternative focuses on being alert to potential dangers.

exercise caution with

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the need for careful judgment.

be wary of

Highlights a sense of distrust and the need for caution.

take precautions with

This highlights proactive measures to avoid potential problems.

treat with caution

Suggests a deliberate and careful approach.

handle with care

Focuses on gentle and mindful treatment to prevent damage.

mind how you handle

Emphasizes the manner in which something is manipulated or dealt with.

take heed of

Emphasizes the importance of paying attention to warnings or advice.

be vigilant about

Shifts the focus to constant and watchful attention.

pay attention to

This alternative simply highlights the importance of focus.

FAQs

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

Use "be careful with" to advise caution when handling something delicate or potentially dangerous. For example, "Be careful with that vase; it's very old."

What's a more formal way to say "be careful with"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "exercise caution with" or "take precautions with" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "be careful with" in a safety instruction?

In safety instructions, alternatives such as "handle with care" or "watch out for" can provide more specific and directive guidance.

Is there a difference between "be careful with" and "be careful about"?

"Be careful with" typically refers to handling something physically, while "be careful about" generally advises caution regarding a situation or decision.