careful about

USAGE SUMMARY

"careful about" is correct and usable in written English.
Use it to convey a warning or caution about a particular action. For example, "Be careful about what you post on social media - it could have serious repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be careful about payment.

The New York Times

She was careful about appearances.

The New Yorker

Lucy is careful about budgeting.

The Guardian - Money

Let's be careful about this.

Yale University

Be careful about certain drugs.

Harvard University

Be careful about boundaries, however.

The Guardian

Let's be careful about that term.

The New York Times

Be careful about doing that.

Science Magazine

Be careful about your advisors.

TechCrunch

Be careful about basic economy.

Forbes

This was a man careful about image.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "careful about", clearly specify what the potential risk or negative outcome could be. This provides context and emphasizes the importance of the caution.

Common error

Avoid using "careful about" without specifying the object of concern. A general warning lacks impact. Instead of saying, "Be careful about things", specify, "Be careful about the sharp edges of the glass".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careful about" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, used to advise caution or attentiveness concerning a particular matter. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility in warning against potential risks, errors, or undesirable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "careful about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise caution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing and wikis. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly specify the object of concern to provide effective guidance. Alternatives like "cautious regarding" or "mindful of" can add nuance, but "careful about" remains a versatile and widely understood expression for encouraging attentiveness and precaution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circumspect about

This implies a cautious and wary approach, often due to potential risks or uncertainties.

cautious regarding

This phrase emphasizes a guarded approach toward something, similar to "careful about" but slightly more formal.

wary of

This suggests a sense of distrust or suspicion, prompting caution and watchfulness.

heedful of

This conveys a sense of paying close attention to advice or warnings, indicating a responsive and careful approach.

mindful of

This suggests being aware and attentive to something, highlighting the importance of consideration.

attentive to

This indicates a focus on details and potential issues, ensuring thoroughness and care.

vigilant concerning

This stresses watchfulness and alertness, often in relation to potential dangers or issues.

scrupulous in

This highlights ethical or moral considerations, implying a high standard of care and integrity.

prudent with respect to

This indicates wisdom and discretion, suggesting careful consideration of the consequences.

thorough in

This emphasizes completeness and attention to detail, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

FAQs

How can I use "careful about" in a sentence?

You can use "careful about" to advise caution regarding something specific. For example, "Be careful about the ice on the sidewalk" warns about a potential hazard.

What phrases are similar to "careful about"?

Similar phrases include "cautious regarding", "mindful of", or "vigilant concerning". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what one should be "careful about"?

Yes, it's best practice to specify the object of concern. Vague warnings can be ineffective. Providing context makes the advice more meaningful and actionable.

What's the difference between "careful about" and "cautious of"?

"Careful about" and "cautious of" are largely interchangeable, but "careful about" is generally more versatile and commonly used in everyday language. "Cautious of" can sometimes imply a more specific or imminent threat.