be cautious cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be cautious cautious" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to emphasize the need for caution, but it is redundant and unclear. Example: "When approaching the edge of the cliff, be cautious cautious, as the ground is unstable."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

9. Be cautious - cautious as distinct from timid.

The Guardian - Travel

"I would be cautious – very cautious," he said.

The Guardian

"But he is cautious, and I will be cautious".

The New York Times

"We have to be cautious — very, very cautious," Dr. Aubourg said.

The New York Times - Health

I think what you have got to do on this very vexed issue is just always be led by the science, be cautious, take cautious steps, don't obviously take risks, particularly where people have concerns about contamination between GM crops and non-GM crops.

The Guardian

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

"We talked with all the banks, including the four big state-owned banks and local banks, and we cannot even get by the three conditions: Be cautious about privately owned enterprises; be cautious about airlines; and be cautious about new companies," Liu says.

Forbes

Wise to be cautious?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize caution, use stronger adjectives like "extremely" or "very" instead of repeating "cautious". For example, say "be very cautious" instead of "be cautious cautious".

Common error

Do not repeat the word "cautious" consecutively. Redundancy weakens your message. Opt for a single, well-placed adjective or a different phrasing to express your concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cautious cautious" functions as an attempt to express a strong warning or recommendation to proceed with extreme care. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect and redundant, undermining its intended function.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be cautious cautious" is an attempt to emphasize the need for vigilance, but it's grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is not standard in written English. While the intention is to strongly advise caution, repeating the adjective weakens rather than strengthens the message. For better alternatives, consider phrases like "be very cautious", "exercise extreme caution", or "proceed with utmost care". These options provide a clearer and more grammatically sound way to convey the intended meaning. Using stronger adjectives or rephrasing the sentence enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely careful

Emphasizes the degree of carefulness required, stronger than just 'cautious'.

exercise extreme caution

Uses a more formal tone and highlights the act of applying caution.

proceed with utmost care

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to a situation.

take considerable precautions

Focuses on the specific actions taken to ensure safety and avoid risks.

handle with kid gloves

Implies a delicate and sensitive approach to avoid damage or problems.

tread carefully

Suggests navigating a situation with awareness and consideration of potential pitfalls.

look before you leap

A proverb that advises thinking carefully before taking action.

better safe than sorry

Expresses a preference for caution to avoid potential regret.

think twice

Suggests reconsidering and evaluating a decision before acting.

play it safe

Indicates a choice to avoid risks and stick to a secure course of action.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound way to express extreme caution?

Instead of "be cautious cautious", you can say "be extremely cautious", "be very cautious", or "exercise extreme caution". These alternatives are grammatically correct and convey the intended emphasis.

How can I emphasize the need for caution without repeating the word?

You can use phrases like "proceed with utmost care", "take considerable precautions", or "handle with kid gloves" depending on the context.

Is "be cautious cautious" ever appropriate in formal writing?

No, "be cautious cautious" is not appropriate in formal writing. It is considered redundant and grammatically incorrect. Opt for more precise and standard phrasing to maintain clarity and professionalism.

What are some idiomatic ways to suggest caution?

Idioms like "look before you leap" or "better safe than sorry" can be used to suggest caution in a more figurative way. However, consider your audience and the context to ensure they are appropriate.