be very careful

USAGE SUMMARY

"be very careful" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a warning or advice to someone to exercise caution in a particular situation. Example: Before crossing the busy street, be very careful and look both ways to make sure there are no cars coming.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That being said, be very careful.

WikiHow

"Let's be very careful".

The New York Times

I'll be very careful".

The New York Times

"Be very careful," he said.

The New York Times

Powell wrote: "Be very careful.

The Guardian

Best to be very careful".

The New York Times

"Be very careful," he warned.

The Guardian

"Be very careful," he wrote.

The Guardian

We have be very careful".

The Guardian

"We need to be very careful".

The New York Times - Science

"We wanted to be very careful".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "be very careful" with a specific explanation of the potential risk. For example, "Be very careful when crossing the street; the traffic is heavy."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "be very careful" without providing any context or explanation. This can leave the recipient unsure of what specific risks they should be mindful of, reducing the effectiveness of your warning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very careful" serves as an imperative, primarily functioning as a directive or a warning. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts, offering multiple examples of its function in real-world sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

42%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be very careful" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to strongly advise caution. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from diverse sources, mainly Wiki and News & Media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although providing specific context enhances its effectiveness. For increased emphasis, consider alternatives like "exercise caution" or "proceed with caution". While "be careful" is a general warning, "be very careful" indicates a greater degree of potential risk, underscoring its importance in preventing negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely cautious

Amplifies the degree of caution needed.

proceed with caution

Highlights the need for a measured and thoughtful approach.

take great care

Emphasizes the importance of attentiveness and mindfulness.

handle with care

Suggests careful physical handling or treatment.

exercise caution

Focuses on the act of being cautious, emphasizing proactive prevention.

treat with caution

Advises careful handling or consideration.

stay alert

Stresses the need for vigilance and readiness.

be on your guard

Indicates a state of readiness against potential threats.

watch out

Similar to "look out", but can also imply potential danger.

look out

A more informal and direct warning.

FAQs

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

You can use "be very careful" to advise someone to take precautions. For example, "Be very careful with that knife" or "Be very careful when driving in the rain".

What are some alternatives to "be very careful"?

Alternatives include "exercise caution", "proceed with caution", or "take great care" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "be very, very careful"?

While grammatically correct, saying "be very, very careful" can sound repetitive. Consider using alternatives like "be extremely cautious" to add emphasis without repetition.

When should I use "be careful" versus "be very careful"?

"Be careful" is a general warning, while "be very careful" emphasizes a higher degree of risk or potential harm. Use "be very careful" when the situation warrants a heightened sense of caution.