be vigilant about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be vigilant about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of being cautious in a certain situation. For example, "We must be vigilant about our personal safety when walking alone at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We have to be vigilant about everything.

The New York Times

(Be vigilant about testing in the future).

The New York Times

"But there is reason to be vigilant about the equipment.

The New Yorker

"I'm going to be vigilant about it," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Negro girls must be vigilant about their perceived deficiencies.

The Guardian - Books

There are sharp rocks to be vigilant about.

The Guardian - Travel

"You need to be vigilant about protecting your credit".

The New York Times

Research Scholarships It literally pays to be vigilant about researching and applying for scholarships.

The New York Times

He knows he has to be vigilant about his own behavior.

The New York Times

"You always have to be vigilant about it," Dr. Robinson said.

The New York Times

I'm a pragmatic man, but you have to be vigilant about pragmatism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be vigilant about", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential dangers or issues require attention. Specificity enhances the effectiveness of the warning.

Common error

While "be vigilant about" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "be careful about" or "watch out for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be vigilant about" functions as a directive, urging the audience to maintain a state of heightened awareness and caution toward a specific concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

23%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be vigilant about" is a directive used to advise or warn about potential risks and encourage proactive caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed, especially in news and media, though it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual settings. Related phrases such as "be mindful about" or "be careful about" offer more informal alternatives. The key is to ensure clarity and context when emphasizing vigilance to effectively communicate the need for heightened awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mindful about

Emphasizes awareness and consideration, slightly less urgent than vigilance.

be careful about

Focuses on avoiding potential harm or mistakes, highlighting caution.

be cautious about

Stresses the need for prudence and circumspection in approach.

be watchful about

Highlights the act of observing for signs of danger or issues.

be alert to

Focuses on readiness to notice and respond to potential problems.

pay attention to

Highlights the importance of directing one's focus to something.

keep an eye on

Implies continuous monitoring for potential issues or changes.

be aware of

Highlights the state of knowing about something and its potential impact.

take heed of

Emphasizes paying close attention to warnings or advice.

exercise caution regarding

A more formal way to express the need for careful consideration and action.

FAQs

How can I use "be vigilant about" in a sentence?

You can use "be vigilant about" to emphasize the importance of being watchful and cautious regarding a specific concern. For example, "We must be vigilant about cybersecurity threats" or "Consumers need to be vigilant about protecting their personal information online".

What are some alternatives to "be vigilant about"?

You can use alternatives like "be mindful about", "be careful about", or "be watchful about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be vigilant of" or "be vigilant about"?

"Be vigilant about" is the more common and accepted phrasing. While "be vigilant of" is not grammatically incorrect, it is less frequently used and can sound awkward to some native English speakers.

When is it appropriate to use "be vigilant about"?

It's appropriate to use "be vigilant about" in situations where there is a need for heightened awareness and caution, especially when potential dangers or risks are present. It's suitable for formal writing, news reports, and instructional contexts.