be wary that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be wary that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone should be conscious of a potential danger, consequence, or problem. For example, "Be wary that you don't take on too much responsibility too quickly, as it may be difficult to meet all of your commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A1 Morale at the Front Lines In interviews conducted with more than 200 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, the sense emerged that the war in Iraq had not broken the military -- but that civilian leaders should be wary that could change.

The New York Times

He'd also be wary that the first two of them are never far from self-destructing.

The Guardian - Sport

We need to be wary that we are not just pursuing the latest fashion in monsters.

The New York Times

He should be wary that Mrs Millings has taken up a new interest.

The Guardian - Sport

Washington must also be wary that its new coordination with Indonesia's military is not taken as an invitation to mischief.

The New York Times

China will be wary that South Korea and Japan may now be encouraged to strengthen defence arrangements with the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

They have also been wary that a switch could affect flavor.

The New York Times - Science

But others are wary that such reinterpretation is really a rewriting of history.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Decque said the market was wary that there might be a disappointment with BNP Paribas earnings.

The New York Times

All those involved in project were wary that viewer response might be hostile, even ugly.

The New York Times

Lawmakers were wary that the investors might raise tolls too quickly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be wary that", follow it with a specific potential negative consequence to clearly communicate the reason for caution. For example, "Be wary that you could miss deadlines if you take on too many projects."

Common error

Avoid using "be wary that" when the risk is minimal or the consequences are trivial. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wary that" functions as a warning or cautionary expression. It introduces a statement of potential risk or negative consequence. Ludwig confirms this phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be wary that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a potential risk or negative outcome. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in news and media, wikis, and scientific sources. When using "be wary that", be sure to clearly state the possible negative consequence and avoid overusing the phrase in situations where the risk is minimal. Consider related alternatives such as "be cautious that" or "take care that" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cautious that

Replaces "wary" with "cautious", maintaining the sense of needing to avoid potential problems.

take care that

Emphasizes the need for carefulness and attention to prevent negative outcomes.

be aware that

Focuses on being informed about potential risks or consequences.

keep in mind that

Highlights the importance of remembering certain information to avoid mistakes.

bear in mind that

Similar to "keep in mind that", it suggests remembering something important for future decisions.

note that

Directs attention to a specific point that needs to be considered.

it is important to consider that

Highlights the significance of certain information before making a decision.

one should consider that

Suggests careful thought and deliberation before acting.

don't forget that

Serves as a reminder to avoid overlooking something important.

remember that

Simply reminds someone to keep something in mind.

FAQs

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

Use "be wary that" to introduce a potential danger or negative consequence that someone should be aware of. For example, "Be wary that the information you find online may not always be accurate."

What are some alternatives to "be wary that"?

You can use alternatives like "be cautious that", "take care that", or "be aware that" depending on the context.

Is "be wary that" formal or informal?

"Be wary that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal options like "it is important to consider that" may be preferable in highly formal writing.

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

"Be wary that" implies awareness of a potential danger, while "be careful that" suggests taking specific actions to avoid a known danger. The phrases are often interchangeable, but "be careful that" puts more emphasis on the actions being taken.