be exceedingly careful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be exceedingly careful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to exercise a high level of caution in a particular situation. Example: "When handling chemicals, it is essential to be exceedingly careful to avoid any accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I've learned the hard way to be exceedingly careful," Schooler says.

The New Yorker

Collins said Parnell was not pleased, but he wants to be exceedingly careful with Parnell after he experienced elbow soreness last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore let us be exceedingly careful in what we say and write about her.... My beautiful Helen shall not be transformed into a prodigy if I can help it.

The New Yorker

The only reliable, durable, and perpetual guarantor of independence is profit.Mr Murdoch is right that the state-funded BBC, especially in its online operations, needs to be exceedingly careful not to smother commercial rivals and start-ups.

The Economist

But while the Democrats broadcast ads across Missouri shredding Talent -- one, in an ominous corporate boardroom, stresses his time spent as a lobbyist; another accuses him of wanting to dismantle social security -- Talent has to be exceedingly careful in what he says about Carnahan.

The New York Times - Magazine

One must, therefore, be exceedingly careful drawing any conclusions about biological "species" prior to 1600.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Craig Romney said his father was exceedingly careful in teaching him how to drive, though he is not sure if the accident was the reason.

The New York Times

Even the Tavistock staff admit that Ashley (eight, formerly Ashton) and Matt (11, formerly Matilda) might just be confused, and are exceedingly careful with decisions to administer "blockers", which will essentially stop puberty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In days after an aide to Mr. Daschle opened the letter on Oct. 15, with President Bush on an overseas trip in China and anxiety about anthrax mounting back at home, administration officials were exceedingly careful in their comments.

The New York Times

Microsoft has been exceedingly careful to avoid that impression.

Forbes

Stell was happy to speak to this reporter for that story, but was exceedingly careful to shield his identity.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "exceedingly" with a more specific adjective to better convey the degree of caution required, such as "be particularly careful" or "be incredibly careful".

Common error

Avoid using "be exceedingly careful" in situations where only mild caution is necessary, as it can sound overly dramatic or condescending. Choose a less emphatic phrase if the risk is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exceedingly careful" functions as an imperative, urging a listener or reader to exercise a high level of caution. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exceedingly careful" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that advises caution. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for situations requiring a high degree of attentiveness and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not frequently used (rating as rare), it provides a clear and emphatic way to urge someone to take precautions. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic, and consider contextually appropriate alternatives like "exercise extreme caution" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise extreme caution

Emphasizes the act of practicing caution to a high degree.

proceed with utmost care

Highlights the importance of careful progression in an action or situation.

tread carefully

Advises being cautious and diplomatic in a sensitive situation.

handle with kid gloves

Suggests a delicate and gentle approach, avoiding any harshness.

be extra vigilant

Highlights the need for heightened attentiveness and watchfulness.

err on the side of caution

Implies choosing a safer option when uncertain.

pay close attention

Focuses on the need for careful and detailed observation.

look before you leap

Suggests thinking carefully about the consequences before taking action.

mind your Ps and Qs

Suggests being careful and proper in one's behavior and speech.

watch your step

Advises caution in one's actions or progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "be exceedingly careful" to advise someone to proceed with a high degree of caution, for example, "When handling sensitive data, you must "be exceedingly careful" to protect privacy".

What are some alternatives to "be exceedingly careful"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exercise extreme caution", "proceed with utmost care", or "handle with kid gloves". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be exceedingly careful" or "be extremely careful"?

Both "be exceedingly careful" and "be extremely careful" are grammatically correct. The choice between them depends on the desired tone and emphasis. "Exceedingly" may sound slightly more formal or emphatic than "extremely".

When should I avoid using "be exceedingly careful"?

Avoid using "be exceedingly careful" in situations where the level of caution required is minimal or the context is informal. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual settings. A phrase like "be careful" may be more appropriate.