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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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be wary when

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A tip: be wary when sitting on blowholes.

Investors have learned to be wary when chief executives describe a deal as "transformational".

News & Media

The Guardian

Be wary when buying apps that say they translate Japanese or Chinese.

Be wary when pulling any stone from a hill or a cliff.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It gives us all the more reason to be wary when something like this happens," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"They seem to know when to be wary when people leave things to catch them," Dr. Wharton said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Whether this is a bad omen for Republican turnout in November is hard to say, but be wary when you see pundits making snap judgments about it.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So I was wary when this mother mentioned "The Matrix".

News & Media

The New York Times

I was wary when I stepped into the massage clinic for the first time.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was wary when I approached her as she was friendly with my subject mentor.

News & Media

The Guardian

Many diplomats were wary when the young and radical Lindh stepped into their gilded ministry.

News & Media

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with specific actions (e.g. "be wary when buying", "be wary when opening") to provide clear, actionable advice.

Common error

A frequent mistake is writing "be weary when" instead of "be wary when". Wary means cautious or suspicious, while weary means tired or exhausted. Using "weary" in a warning context fundamentally changes the meaning and undermines the writer's authority.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

77%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wary when" functions as an advisory imperative or a conditional warning clause. It consists of the copular verb "be", the adjective "wary" (denoting caution), and the subordinating conjunction "when", which introduces a temporal or situational condition. According to Ludwig AI data, it is most often used to preface a specific risk associated with a particular action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki & How-to Guides

51%

News & Media

38%

Science & Academic

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

General Fiction

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be wary when" is a highly versatile and essential tool in English writing for expressing caution. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate that its usage is deeply embedded in authoritative journalism and instructional content, appearing more than 50 times in top-tier sources. Whether you are advising a reader to "be wary when" opening email attachments or suggesting that they "be wary when" politicians make grand promises, the phrase maintains a consistent level of clarity and professional weight. A key takeaway for writers is the necessity of distinguishing "wary" from "weary" to ensure the intended message of vigilance is not lost. Overall, it is a robust, grammatically correct and widely understood construction that excels in any context requiring a warning or a call for skepticism.

FAQs

How do I use "be wary when" in a sentence?

You can use it to advise someone to act with care, such as "You should "be cautious when" sharing personal information online" or "Experts suggest you "be wary when" market prices fluctuate wildly."

What is the difference between "be wary when" and "be weary when"?

The phrase "be wary when" means to be suspicious or careful of danger. Conversely, "be weary when" means to be tired or fatigued during an event. If you want to warn someone, "be wary when" is the correct choice.

Can I use "be wary when" in a professional email?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate. For a slightly more formal tone, you might consider using "exercise caution when" or "be mindful when" depending on the specific situation.

What is a good synonym for "be wary when"?

Common alternatives include "watch out when" for informal contexts or "stay vigilant when" if the situation requires intense focus.

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Source & Trust

77%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: