be vigilant when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be vigilant when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to remain alert or cautious during specific situations or actions. Example: "You should be vigilant when crossing the street, especially in busy areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"And be vigilant when the statements come.

The New York Times

"People must be vigilant when using dating sites or apps," advised Alex Neill of Which?

Independent

The United States has warned American citizens to be vigilant when traveling in Europe.

The New York Times

"People must be vigilant when using dating sites or apps," advised Alex Neill of Which? 9 February Mortgage fees have reached their highest level for almost two years.

Independent

"The point is that the best initiatives can be subverted for special interest, and it's important to be vigilant when we form partnerships with industry".

The New York Times

He added, "We must be vigilant when Congress imposes rules and conditions which in effect insulate its own laws from legitimate judicial challenge".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It doesn't recognize that many electronic (e-cigarette) manufacturers are vigilant when it comes to age-restrictive selling, sales on the Internet and distributing flavored products apart from traditional tobacco and menthol flavors.

The New York Times

Security experts stress that consumers should be vigilant even when a breach hasn't been reported and urge common sense when it comes to personal data.

Los Angeles Times

Be vigilant, especially when babies and children are present.

WikiHow

Be vigilant during times when children are most likely to be outside.

WikiHow

We definitely need to be vigilant with our kids when it comes to sexting; whether it's a crime or not, it can still ruin young lives.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be vigilant when", clearly specify the context or situation where vigilance is required to ensure clarity and actionable advice. For example, "Be vigilant when sharing personal information online".

Common error

Avoid using "be vigilant when" without providing specific guidance or context. Instead of simply saying "Be vigilant when traveling", specify potential threats or actions to watch out for, such as "Be vigilant when traveling in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be vigilant when" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain alertness and caution in specific circumstances. It serves to advise or warn about potential risks. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be vigilant when" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to advise caution and alertness in specific situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions primarily as an imperative, offering guidance and warning across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Wiki and Science. To maximize clarity, specify the context requiring vigilance. While generally neutral in register, avoid overgeneralization by providing actionable guidance for the scenario at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution when

Emphasizes a careful and deliberate approach, similar to vigilance, but focuses more on action.

stay alert when

Highlights the importance of maintaining awareness, differing in its focus on the state of alertness.

remain watchful when

Stresses continuous observation, providing a slightly different emphasis than general vigilance.

be on your guard when

Suggests a state of readiness against potential threats, implying a more defensive posture.

keep an eye out when

Focuses on actively looking for something specific, making it less general than vigilance.

pay attention when

Highlights the need for attentiveness, which is a component of vigilance but not its entirety.

take heed when

Emphasizes heeding warnings or potential dangers, offering a more specific call to action.

be aware when

Stresses consciousness of surroundings, focusing on recognition rather than proactive vigilance.

look out when

Implies a need to watch for immediate dangers, differing from the more sustained awareness of vigilance.

be circumspect when

Highlights prudence and careful consideration, providing a more thoughtful approach compared to simple vigilance.

FAQs

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

You can use "be vigilant when" to advise someone to be watchful and cautious in specific situations. For example, "You should "be vigilant when" opening email attachments from unknown senders."

What are some alternatives to "be vigilant when"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exercise caution when", "stay alert when", or "remain watchful when", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "be vigilant when" or "being vigilant when"?

"Be vigilant when" is the correct imperative form to advise caution in a specific scenario. "Being vigilant when" is grammatically correct but has a different function, describing a state of vigilance rather than giving a direct instruction.

What's the difference between "be vigilant when" and "be careful when"?

"Be vigilant when" implies a state of heightened alertness and watchfulness for potential dangers or issues. "Be careful when" is a more general caution, advising prudence and attentiveness to avoid accidents or mistakes.