be met with caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be met with caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something should be approached or treated with caution. For example, "The complex regulations should be met with caution; any mistakes may come with serious repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The fact that the treatment is now offered by Facebook and Apple must certainly be met with caution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such a reading should be met with caution, however.

SEP

In light of our current observations such therapeutic trials should be met with caution.

Brain

Therefore, detection of CO as defining enzymatic HO activity should be met with caution.

Accounts of Chemical Research

While biomarkers appear to hold promise for staging strategies in the future, such optimism must be met with caution.

Critical Care

This latter criterion should be met with caution given that such statistics are sensitive to small numbers of respondents in low-response categories.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Leads of 18 points are met with caution.

The New York Times - Sports

But further questions (Does she ever go back to Hayes? Are her parents still there?) were met with caution, even suspicion.

The Guardian

That remark was met with caution in South Korea, where people are divided over the background of Mr. Park, a former officer in Japan's Imperial Army, under whom South Korea re-established ties with its former colonial master.

The New York Times

The suggestion that sprouts may be the cause of the outbreak, one of the most catastrophic food-borne illnesses in years, was met with caution by public health experts.

The New York Times

But even as Mr. Kundra returns to academia after a two-and-a-half-year run, his vision for a leaner and more Internet-centric future for government is being met with caution by at least a few of the technology chiefs at the federal agencies that now have to carry it out.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be met with caution", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific risks or uncertainties warrant the caution. Provide enough information so the reader understands the need for a careful approach.

Common error

Avoid using "be met with caution" as a generic warning. Always specify why caution is necessary to provide meaningful guidance to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be met with caution" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (e.g., a proposal, a claim, or a course of action) should be approached or considered with a degree of wariness and careful consideration, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be met with caution" is a grammatically sound expression used to advocate for a careful and wary approach. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in diverse contexts, especially within scientific and news domains. While not exceptionally common, its usage is consistent across reputable sources, underscoring its relevance in formal communication. Alternative phrasing includes expressions like "be approached warily" or "be regarded with skepticism". When employing "be met with caution", ensure clarity in specifying the reasons for caution to offer meaningful guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be approached warily

Replaces "caution" with "warily", focusing on the manner of approach.

be regarded with skepticism

Shifts the focus to doubt and questioning rather than general carefulness.

be treated with circumspection

Uses a more formal term, "circumspection", to emphasize careful consideration.

be viewed with reservation

Highlights a degree of hesitation or doubt in the acceptance.

warrant careful consideration

Changes the structure to emphasize the need for careful thought.

demand a prudent approach

Focuses on the necessity of a wise and careful strategy.

should not be taken lightly

Emphasizes the seriousness of the subject requiring attention.

requires careful handling

Highlights the need for delicate and precise management.

must be carefully considered

Shifts from caution to a more active role of evaluating something with care.

necessitates a guarded response

Indicates the need for restraint and vigilance in reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "be met with caution" in a sentence?

You can use "be met with caution" to suggest that something should be approached carefully and thoughtfully. For example, "New research findings should "be interpreted with caution" until further studies confirm the results."

What's the difference between "be met with caution" and "be treated with caution"?

While similar, "be met with caution" suggests an initial reaction or approach, whereas "be treated with caution" implies ongoing handling or management. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the first encounter or the continued process.

What are some alternatives to "be met with caution"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be approached warily", "be regarded with skepticism", or "warrant careful consideration" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "be met with caution" in formal writing?

Yes, "be met with caution" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional contexts where careful evaluation and risk assessment are important.