be extra careful

USAGE SUMMARY

"be extra careful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize someone to take precautions or be cautious. For example: "Be extra careful when you're crossing the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you have a septic tank, then be extra careful.

The Guardian

With refurbished items, you have to be extra careful.

The New York Times - Tech

I had tried to tell her to be extra careful.

The Guardian

That way, perhaps, they have to be extra careful.

The Economist

She warned Mr. Cruz "to be extra careful".

The New York Times

We should be extra careful proofreading headlines and subheads.

The New York Times

"Retailers will have to be extra careful in how they sell items bearing celebrity images.

The Guardian - Music

It is in his personality, he said, to be "extra careful".

The New York Times - Style

"You have to be extra careful," Mrs. Grinstead said of infants.

The New York Times

The Philadelphia crew tries to be extra careful with the laptop operator under the basket.

The New York Times - Tech

Gotta be extra careful around 'Tines.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "be extra careful", specify the context or potential danger they should be aware of to make your advice more actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "be extra careful" as a generic warning without specifying the potential risks. Instead, provide specific advice on what actions to avoid or precautions to take in the given situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be extra careful" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener to take precautions. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and widely used expression. The numerous examples confirm its role in providing warnings and advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

34%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be extra careful" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to advise caution. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. While generally neutral to informal in register, it is important to provide specific context when using this phrase to maximize its effectiveness. As highlighted by the examples, this advice spans contexts from personal safety to professional conduct, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness. Remember to use alternatives like "exercise extreme caution" or "proceed with utmost care" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be especially cautious

Replaces 'extra careful' with 'especially cautious', highlighting the importance of caution.

exercise extreme caution

Uses 'exercise' to suggest actively applying caution, and 'extreme' intensifies the level of care.

take exceptional precautions

Focuses on taking specific actions to prevent harm, with 'exceptional' emphasizing thoroughness.

be exceedingly vigilant

Shifts the focus to being watchful and alert, using 'exceedingly' to amplify the vigilance.

pay close attention

Highlights the need for focused awareness and observation.

be on high alert

Emphasizes a state of readiness and awareness of potential danger.

proceed with utmost care

Suggests moving forward deliberately and cautiously, with 'utmost' indicating the highest degree of care.

handle with kid gloves

Uses an idiom to convey the need for delicate and careful handling.

watch your step

A more informal way to advise someone to be careful about their actions.

look before you leap

An idiomatic expression advising careful consideration before taking action.

FAQs

What does "be extra careful" mean?

The phrase "be extra careful" means to exercise increased caution and vigilance in a situation where there is a higher risk of danger or negative consequences. It's a way of advising someone to pay close attention and take precautions to avoid potential problems.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be extra careful"?

It is appropriate to use "be extra careful" when someone is about to engage in an activity that carries a known risk, such as driving in bad weather, handling dangerous equipment, or traveling to an unfamiliar place. It's also suitable when someone is in a vulnerable situation where they might be taken advantage of.

What can I say instead of "be extra careful"?

You can use alternatives like "be especially cautious", "exercise extreme caution", or "take exceptional precautions" depending on the context. These phrases offer similar advice with slightly different emphasis.

Is "be extra careful" too informal for professional communication?

While "be extra careful" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "exercise caution" or "proceed with utmost care" might be more suitable in professional contexts. The best choice depends on the specific situation and your relationship with the recipient.