be really careful

USAGE SUMMARY

"be really careful" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a cautionary statement, to advise someone to exercise caution or be cautious in a situation. Here is an example: "Before you touch the hot stove, be really careful. It's still very hot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we had to be really careful.

The Guardian

We always had to be really careful.

The Guardian - Sport

They have to be really careful.

The Guardian

They have to be really careful now".

The New York Times - Sports

If the underlying link doesn't match, be really careful.

Cornell University

"Certainly they have to be really careful on these stairs.

The New York Times

"I have to be really careful," Rajaratnam said.

The New Yorker

And so you have to be really careful.

The New York Times

You've got to be really careful about that.

The New York Times

"I've got to be really careful what I say here".

The Guardian

"We have to be really careful before we get overinvested.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be really careful" in your writing, consider the specific context and potential dangers. Tailor your advice to be as specific as possible to the situation. For instance, instead of saying "Be really careful on the road", specify "Be really careful when driving in icy conditions".

Common error

Avoid using "be really careful" as a generic warning without providing specific reasons or advice. Vague warnings can be less effective than clear, actionable instructions. For example, instead of just saying "Be really careful", explain what potential risks to watch out for and how to avoid them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be really careful" primarily functions as an imperative, used to give a direct command or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a cautionary statement, advising someone to exercise caution. The examples show its use in various contexts to warn about potential dangers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be really careful" is a commonly used imperative phrase that advises caution and attentiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and serves as a cautionary statement across various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context and reasons for caution to make the warning more effective. Related phrases include "exercise extreme caution" and "proceed with utmost care".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be exceptionally cautious

Highlights the need for a heightened level of vigilance.

exercise extreme caution

Emphasizes a higher degree of watchfulness and prudence.

tread carefully

Suggests a delicate and measured approach to avoid mistakes or negative consequences.

proceed with utmost care

Focuses on the manner of moving forward, suggesting thoroughness and precision.

be especially vigilant

Stresses the importance of keen awareness and watchfulness.

take extra precautions

Indicates implementing additional measures to avoid potential risks.

be on your guard

Implies a state of readiness to defend against potential harm or deception.

pay close attention

Directs focus towards noticing details that might otherwise be missed.

look out for danger

Advises actively seeking and identifying potential threats.

mind your step

Specifically warns about physical dangers and encourages attention to one's movements.

FAQs

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

You can use "be really careful" to advise someone to proceed with caution. For example, "Be really careful when handling the chemicals" or "Be really careful when crossing the street."

What are some alternatives to "be really careful"?

Some alternatives include "exercise caution", "proceed with care", or "take precautions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "be really careful"?

Yes, "be really careful" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It is used to advise caution or attentiveness in a given situation.

When is it appropriate to use "be really careful"?

It is appropriate to use "be really careful" whenever you want to warn someone about a potential danger or encourage them to proceed with caution. This can apply to physical activities, sensitive discussions, or important decisions.