be wary

USAGE SUMMARY

"be wary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be cautious and careful in a situation or towards something or someone. An example sentence could be: "Before making a decision, be wary of potential risks and consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be Wary.

The New York Times

Bayern must be wary.

The New York Times

Be wary of bulk.

The New York Times

Who wouldn't be wary?

The New York Times

It pays to be wary.

The Economist

Be wary and be warned.

The New York Times

Be wary.

The New York Times

If so, be wary.

Forbes

Tottenham should be wary.

BBC

Should investors be wary?

Forbes

Be wary, however.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be wary" when you want to advise someone to be cautious and alert to potential dangers or problems.

Common error

While "be wary" is generally appropriate, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "watch out" or "be careful" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wary" primarily functions as an imperative, urging caution or vigilance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it conveys the need to carefully watch and guard against potential dangers or deceptions. Examples show its use in advising against bulk purchases or trusting strangers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be wary" is a frequently used imperative phrase that advises caution and vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki, with a neutral to formal tone. When writing, use "be wary" to urge carefulness and awareness of potential risks. Consider alternatives like "exercise caution" or "remain vigilant" for nuanced expression. While generally appropriate, avoid overuse in very casual contexts, and remember its primary function is to warn and advise with circumspection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cautious

A direct synonym, highlighting the need for carefulness.

exercise caution

Emphasizes the act of taking precautions.

be on your guard

Implies a state of readiness against potential threats.

remain vigilant

Stresses the importance of continuous watchfulness.

stay alert

Focuses on maintaining a state of readiness.

keep an eye out

Suggests watching for something specific.

look out for

Similar to 'keep an eye out', but can also imply concern for someone's well-being.

approach with care

Stresses the need for a delicate and thoughtful approach.

watch out

A more immediate warning of danger.

treat with suspicion

Highlights a lack of trust and expectation of deceit.

FAQs

How can I use "be wary" in a sentence?

You can use "be wary" to advise caution, such as "Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true" or "Be wary of strangers offering help".

What are some alternatives to "be wary"?

Alternatives include "exercise caution", "be cautious", or "remain vigilant", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

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

Both "be wary of" and "be wary about" are grammatically correct, but "be wary of" is generally more common when referring to a specific danger or threat, while "be wary about" is used for general concerns. For example, "Be wary of pickpockets" versus "Be wary about the long-term consequences".

When is it inappropriate to use "be wary"?

"Be wary" might sound overly formal in very casual or friendly conversations. In such situations, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "watch out" or "be careful".