be wary of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be wary of" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "to be cautious of or mindful of" and is usually followed by a person/thing, like "be wary of strangers". Example sentence: Be wary of people offering you unsolicited advice.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But be wary of generalizations.

Science Magazine

Be wary of bundling arrangements.

Forbes

Be wary of pickpockets.

Huffington Post

Be wary of hype.

WikiHow

Be wary of rust.

WikiHow

Be wary of transitions.

WikiHow

Be wary of overheating.

WikiHow

Be wary of authoritarianism.

WikiHow

Be wary of distractions.

WikiHow

Be wary of this.

WikiHow

Be wary of relapsing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be wary of", clearly specify what the potential danger or source of caution is to provide actionable advice. For example, "Be wary of quick-fix solutions that promise unrealistic results."

Common error

Avoid using "be wary of" without a specific object or situation. Saying "Be wary" is incomplete; specify what one should be cautious about. For instance, instead of "Be wary", say "Be wary of unsolicited emails."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wary of" functions as an advisory expression, urging caution or vigilance. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, highlighting situations where potential risks or deception are present. The phrase sets a tone of alert watchfulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

63%

News & Media

5%

Science & Research

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be wary of" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to advise caution. Ludwig AI confirms that its function is to warn about potential risks or deception. Predominantly found in Wiki content, and to a lesser extent, in News & Media, and Science & Research contexts, it encourages a cautious approach. While versatile, specifying the object of caution ensures clarity and effectiveness. Alternatives like "be cautious of" and "be careful of" can be used depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cautious of

Emphasizes the need for carefulness and prudence, similar to "be wary of" but with a slightly broader application.

be careful of

Highlights the importance of taking precautions, sharing the sense of avoiding potential danger or harm.

be suspicious of

Focuses on a feeling of distrust or doubt, suggesting a need to question the motives or truthfulness of someone or something.

be on your guard against

Implies a state of readiness to defend against potential threats or deception, conveying a more active form of wariness.

exercise caution with

Recommends a deliberate and thoughtful approach to avoid risks or negative consequences.

remain vigilant about

Stresses the importance of continuous monitoring and alertness to potential problems or dangers.

keep a close watch on

Suggests careful observation and scrutiny to detect any signs of trouble or unwanted activity.

be circumspect about

Highlights the need for prudence and discretion, especially in situations where judgment is required.

think twice about

Encourages careful consideration before acting, emphasizing the potential for negative outcomes.

look out for

Advises paying attention to potential dangers or deceptive practices, often used in a more informal context.

FAQs

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

Use "be wary of" to express caution or suspicion about something. For example, "Be wary of strangers offering help" or "Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true."

What's the difference between "be wary of" and "be careful of"?

"Be wary of" implies a sense of distrust or suspicion, while "be careful of" suggests a need for caution to avoid accidents or harm. Consider using "be cautious of" as a general alternative.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "be wary of"?

While generally appropriate, avoid using "be wary of" in situations where a gentler suggestion is needed. In those cases, consider using phrases like "be mindful of" or "pay attention to".

What can I say instead of "be wary of"?

You can use alternatives like "be cautious of", "be careful of", or "be suspicious of" depending on the context.