be conscientious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be conscientious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be careful, diligent, or attentive in their actions or responsibilities. Example: "In your studies, it's important to be conscientious about your assignments and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He will be conscientious.

The New York Times

Objectors to war must also be conscientious.

The Guardian

"I thought the coverage should be conscientious, thoughtful and thorough".

The New York Times

"Everything will be conscientious, there will be a friendly atmosphere," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"You have to be conscientious that there might be cyclists everywhere — and there are cyclists everywhere".

The New York Times

A writer can be conscientious and distractingly tactical at the same time.

The New Yorker

The students must be conscientious and able to organize and document their work.

University of California, Berkeley

"We've got to be conscientious," he said, "because we've got 10 days".

The New York Times

(In 1971, the Supreme Court affirmed that secular pacifists could be conscientious objectors, too).

The New Yorker

"We'll continue to be conscientious and help those who need help".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You try to be conscientious buy fresh food and recycle.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be conscientious", clarify the specific area where diligence is needed for better understanding. For example, "Be conscientious about your research methods" is clearer than simply "Be conscientious."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase in formal writing by alternating between synonyms like "diligent", "thorough", or "attentive" to maintain a varied and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be conscientious" functions as an imperative, directing or advising someone to act with diligence and care. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a call to action focused on thoroughness and responsibility. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

17%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be conscientious" is a common and grammatically correct imperative, primarily used to advise or urge someone to act with diligence and care. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news and media sources, as well as scientific and general contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for various situations. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the area where diligence is needed. Alternatives like "exercise diligence" or "act responsibly" can prevent overuse and maintain engagement. Remember, while "be conscientious" emphasizes thoroughness, "be careful" focuses on avoiding errors, so choose based on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise diligence

Focuses on the active application of careful effort; changes the verb from "be" to "exercise".

act responsibly

Emphasizes the aspect of accountability and duty; replaces "conscientious" with a term highlighting responsibility.

be meticulous

Highlights thoroughness and attention to detail; replaces "conscientious" with a more specific synonym.

be attentive

Stresses the importance of paying close attention; changes "conscientious" to a focus on attentiveness.

take care

Offers a more general expression of caution and concern; a simpler alternative to "be conscientious".

pay attention

Focuses on being observant and heedful; shifts the emphasis from general conscientiousness to focused attention.

show consideration

Highlights thoughtfulness towards others; introduces an element of empathy that may not be explicit in "be conscientious".

remain vigilant

Emphasizes watchfulness and alertness; suggests a proactive stance against potential issues.

be thorough

Underscores the need for completeness and exhaustiveness; narrows the scope to the quality of being thorough.

mind your business

Implies being careful and attentive to one's own responsibilities; uses an idiomatic expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "be conscientious" to advise someone to be careful, diligent, or attentive. For example, "In your studies, it's important to be conscientious about your assignments and deadlines."

What can I say instead of "be conscientious"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise diligence", "act responsibly", or "be meticulous" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be conscientious" or "be conscious"?

"Be conscientious" means to be diligent and thorough. "Be conscious" means to be aware. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

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

"Be conscientious" implies a desire to do a task well and thoroughly, while "be careful" simply means to avoid mistakes or accidents. Although both suggest prudence, the first emphasizes diligence and the second emphasizes caution.