careful with

USAGE SUMMARY

"careful with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to advise someone to take caution when dealing with a certain situation, thing, or person. Example: Be careful with the eggs - they are fragile.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be careful with those.

The New York Times

Be careful with themes.

WikiHow

Be careful with relationships.

WikiHow

Be careful with pliers.

WikiHow

Be careful with medications.

WikiHow

Be careful with shoes.

WikiHow

Careful with knives!

WikiHow

Be careful with heat.

WikiHow

Be careful with blending.

WikiHow

Be careful with screwdrivers.

WikiHow

Be careful with fame.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, follow "careful with" with a specific reason for caution to enhance understanding and compliance. For instance, "Be careful with the ladder; it's slippery when wet."

Common error

Avoid using "careful with" without specifying what the potential hazard is. Saying just "Be careful with it" is less effective than "Be careful with the vase; it's very fragile."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careful with" functions as an advisory phrase, primarily used to caution or warn someone about potential risks or delicate situations. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to provide instructions or express concern about the handling of objects or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

87%

News & Media

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "careful with" is a frequently used prepositional phrase employed to advise caution when handling something, be it an object, a situation, or even a concept. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, although its informal tone makes it more prevalent in everyday conversation and instructional guides than in formal academic or scientific writing. To enhance clarity, always specify the reason for caution when using this phrase. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "exercise caution with" or "handle with care" for a subtly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution with

Emphasizes the act of deliberately being cautious, highlighting a proactive approach to avoiding issues.

take precaution with

Focuses on taking specific preventative measures to ensure safety and proper handling.

be mindful of

Shifts the focus to maintaining awareness and attentiveness to potential risks.

handle with care

Implies delicate or sensitive handling to prevent damage or harm.

treat gently

Suggests a soft and considerate approach, often used for fragile items or sensitive situations.

pay attention to

Directs focus towards something that demands close observation and awareness.

be vigilant of

Implies maintaining a state of high alertness to detect potential problems.

mindful handling of

Suggests that a careful mental attitude should be used while touching or manipulating something.

watch out for

Emphasizes the necessity of awareness to identify dangers or difficulties.

be wary of

Highlights distrust and caution in the face of danger.

FAQs

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

Use "careful with" to advise caution when handling something delicate, dangerous, or sensitive. For example, "Be careful with the glassware" or "Be careful with that chemical."

What are some alternatives to saying "careful with"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise caution with", "take precaution with", or "handle with care" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "careful with"?

Yes, "careful with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It's used to warn or advise someone to be cautious.

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

"Careful with" is generally used when handling a physical object or situation, while "be careful of" is used for potential dangers or threats. For example, "Careful with the knife" versus "Be careful of the dog".