be more wary

USAGE SUMMARY

'be more wary' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this when referring to being cautious or being aware of potential risks or dangers. For example, "Drivers should be more wary of cyclists when navigating city streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest of us just have to be more wary.

The New York Times

So should we be more wary of paracetamol?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is advisable for them to be more wary.

The Guardian

So should we be more wary of their power?

The Guardian

Nor is any consideration given to the idea that once-burned investors might be more wary.

The New York Times

Members of Trump's own administration are known to be more wary about North Korea's intentions.

The Washington Post

About 35percentthoughtht workers would be more wary of working in high-rise buildings.

The New York Times

Hospitals, clinics and distributors might be more wary of ordering from Chiron in the future.

The New York Times

(He responded that he should probably be more wary of "hyperbole").

The New York Times

If the circuit-breakers limiting price movements were scrapped, all investors would have to be more wary.

The Economist

And nonscholarly audiences should be more wary of researchers who fail to discipline themselves in this way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be more wary" when you want to advise caution due to potential but uncertain risks. It suggests a need for increased awareness and careful consideration rather than outright avoidance.

Common error

Avoid using "be more wary" when a situation demands immediate and decisive action. Opt for stronger, more directive language like "take immediate action" or "implement strict controls" when the risk is imminent and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more wary" functions as an advisory expression, urging caution and increased awareness of potential dangers or risks. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from financial investments to personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be more wary" is a versatile phrase used to advise caution and increased awareness of potential risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and whether stronger, more directive language might be more appropriate. While "be more wary" is often found in News & Media sources, it is less common in formal business or scientific settings. Consider alternatives like "exercise greater caution" or "be more vigilant" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise greater caution

Emphasizes the act of actively applying caution.

be more vigilant

Focuses on being watchful and alert to potential dangers.

be more careful

A general suggestion to take extra precautions.

increase your vigilance

Highlights the act of heightening one's alertness.

be more circumspect

Implies being prudent and considering all circumstances before acting.

adopt a more cautious approach

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful method of proceeding with caution.

be more alert

Focuses on heightened awareness of surroundings and potential threats.

pay closer attention

Highlights the need for focused observation and attentiveness.

be more on your guard

Emphasizes a state of readiness and defense against potential threats.

be more aware

Focuses on increasing one's understanding and perception of potential risks.

FAQs

How can I use "be more wary" in a sentence?

You can use "be more wary" to advise caution. For example, "Consumers should "be more wary" of online scams".

What are some alternatives to "be more wary"?

Alternatives include "exercise greater caution", "be more vigilant", or "be more careful", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be more wary of" or "be wary about"?

"Be more wary of" is generally preferred when referring to a specific threat or potential danger. "Be wary about" is also correct, but less common.

In what situations is it appropriate to advise someone to "be more wary"?

It's appropriate to advise someone to "be more wary" when there is a potential risk or danger that requires increased awareness and caution, such as navigating unfamiliar situations or dealing with unreliable sources.