be very cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

"be very cautious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as an admonition to caution someone against taking a certain action. For example, you could say: "Be very cautious before signing any contracts; read the terms and conditions carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'd be very cautious.

The Guardian

"I'm going to be very cautious.

The New York Times

"I'd be very cautious," he added.

The New York Times

"We have to be very cautious.

The New York Times

"China will be very cautious," he continued.

The New York Times

"We want to be very cautious here.

The Guardian

"It's a time to be very cautious.

The New York Times

"We need to be very cautious.

The Guardian

But the Yankees will still be very cautious with Robertson.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd be very cautious about intruding into this process".

The New York Times

He added, "We have to be very cautious".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone about a potentially risky situation, use "be very cautious" to emphasize the need for careful consideration and measured action. For example, "When investing in a new market, be very cautious and conduct thorough research."

Common error

While "be very cautious" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations where a simpler warning might suffice. Instead of saying, "Be very cautious when crossing the street", consider "Look out when crossing the street" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very cautious" functions as an imperative, primarily used to advise or warn someone about a potential danger or risk. Ludwig's analysis confirms its role in urging careful consideration and action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

36%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be very cautious" is a common and grammatically sound way to advise someone to exercise care, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an imperative, urging prudence and diligence to avoid potential risks. Analysis of its usage patterns indicates frequent occurrence in News & Media and Wiki sources, signifying its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly casual situations. Alternatives like "exercise extreme caution" or "take great care" offer nuanced ways to convey similar warnings. In summary, "be very cautious" is a versatile and effective phrase for emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and careful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely careful

This alternative uses a stronger adjective to amplify the level of caution required, similar to "be very cautious".

exercise extreme caution

This alternative suggests a higher degree of care and vigilance than "be very cautious".

proceed with caution

This alternative implies a need to advance slowly and carefully, whereas "be very cautious" is a general warning.

take great care

This alternative emphasizes the attention needed to avoid mistakes or danger, similar to "be very cautious".

err on the side of caution

This alternative suggests choosing a safer option when uncertain, emphasizing risk avoidance more than general caution.

remain vigilant

This alternative focuses on maintaining a state of alertness and watchfulness, different from a general caution.

act prudently

This alternative suggests behaving with wisdom and careful judgment, adding a layer of thoughtful decision-making.

handle with care

This alternative emphasizes gentleness and attentiveness, often used when dealing with delicate or sensitive matters.

look before you leap

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that advises considering the consequences before acting, implying caution.

mind how you go

This alternative is a more informal and colloquial way of wishing someone caution and safety.

FAQs

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

You can use "be very cautious" to advise someone to take extra care in a situation, such as "Be very cautious when handling sensitive information" or "Be very cautious when driving in icy conditions".

What are some alternatives to "be very cautious"?

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

Is it redundant to say "be very cautious"?

While "cautious" itself implies care, adding "very" amplifies the level of alertness and prudence required, making it suitable for situations where heightened awareness is crucial.

What's the difference between "be cautious" and "be very cautious"?

"Be cautious" is a general warning to be careful. "Be very cautious" emphasizes a greater need for care and attention, suggesting a higher level of risk or potential negative consequences.