be cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

'be cautious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest being careful and aware of potential danger or consequences. Example: When driving in unfamiliar territory, be cautious and pay attention to your surroundings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be cautious, guys.

The New York Times

He would be cautious.

The New Yorker

Be cautious ground hog.

The New Yorker

Let's be cautious".

The New York Times

So let's be cautious.

The Guardian - Opinion

If not, be cautious.

The Guardian - Money

Officials should be cautious.

The Washington Post

BE CAUTIOUS!" Trump tweeted.

The Washington Post

Must be cautious.

The New York Times

"Outside investors should be cautious.

The New York Times

You've got to be cautious".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "be cautious", specify the context or potential danger they should be aware of to make your advice more effective. For example, "Be cautious when sharing personal information online."

Common error

Avoid using "be cautious" as a generic warning without specifying what the recipient should be cautious about. Without context, the advice is vague and less helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cautious" primarily functions as an imperative, directing or advising someone to act with care and attention to avoid potential risks. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and direct way to express this instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

42%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be cautious" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile imperative phrase used to advise care and vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability in various contexts. Its frequent occurrence in News & Media and Wiki sources, as demonstrated by Ludwig, highlights its relevance in both formal reporting and general advice-giving scenarios. While "be cautious" is common, providing specific context improves its effectiveness, avoiding vagueness and enhancing clarity. Alternatives like ""be careful"" or ""exercise prudence"" offer subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed with care

Highlights the need for careful movement or action.

err on the side of caution

Indicates a preference for avoiding risks even if unnecessary.

exercise prudence

Suggests a more formal and deliberate approach to being careful.

play it safe

Recommends avoiding risks altogether.

be on your guard

Implies readiness to defend against potential threats.

remain vigilant

Emphasizes sustained attention and alertness to potential dangers.

watch your step

Focuses on avoiding immediate physical dangers or mistakes.

take heed

Implies paying close attention to warnings or potential risks.

look alive

More colloquial; suggests paying attention to avoid mistakes or accidents.

mind your Ps and Qs

Suggests being careful about behavior and manners.

FAQs

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

You can use "be cautious" to advise someone to be careful and alert to potential dangers. For example, "Be cautious when crossing the street" or "Be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals".

What can I say instead of "be cautious"?

You can use alternatives like "be careful", "exercise prudence", or "remain vigilant" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "be cautious"?

It's appropriate to tell someone to "be cautious" when they are about to enter a situation that could be dangerous or risky. This could be a physical danger, like walking on ice, or a more abstract risk, like making a financial investment.

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

"Be cautious" and "be careful" are often used interchangeably, but "be cautious" sometimes implies a more considered approach, anticipating potential problems, whereas "be careful" can be a more general instruction to avoid accidents or mistakes.