Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be wary when
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
exercise caution when
watch out when
proceed with caution when
remain cautious when
be careful when
be vigilant when
you may not want to
exercise caution however
it is advisable to avoid
think twice about
exercise caution with
exercise caution while
exercise care when
one must be careful when
it is important to be careful when
keep caution when
caution is advisable when
care should be taken when
it is wise to be careful when
caution is advised when
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
55 human-written examples
A tip: be wary when sitting on blowholes.
News & Media
Investors have learned to be wary when chief executives describe a deal as "transformational".
News & Media
Be wary when buying apps that say they translate Japanese or Chinese.
News & Media
Be wary when pulling any stone from a hill or a cliff.
News & Media
"It gives us all the more reason to be wary when something like this happens," he said.
News & Media
"They seem to know when to be wary when people leave things to catch them," Dr. Wharton said.
News & Media
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
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
I was wary when I stepped into the massage clinic for the first time.
News & Media
I was wary when I approached her as she was friendly with my subject mentor.
News & Media
Many diplomats were wary when the young and radical Lindh stepped into their gilded ministry.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
exercise caution when
More formal and professional, often used in legal or safety documentation.
be cautious when
A direct synonym that is slightly less idiomatic but equally correct.
proceed with caution when
Action-oriented phrasing often found in technical or procedural guides.
stay vigilant when
Implies a higher level of continuous alertness or suspicion.
be alert when
Focuses on the state of being ready to notice danger.
be on guard when
Suggests a defensive posture against a specific threat.
watch out when
More informal and direct, commonly used in spoken English.
be mindful when
Gentler and more advisory, focusing on awareness rather than danger.
take care when
Focuses on personal safety and meticulousness.
be circumspect when
Very formal academic or literary choice meaning to consider all circumstances.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested