carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

"carefully" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is done with a lot of care and attention, such as "She carefully read the instructions before assembling the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So by saying I hope people will think carefully, you imply the second.

The Guardian

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the government was "carefully studying" the judgment to determine an appropriate response, but he strongly signalled his determination to find a way to ensure the chaplaincy program continued.

The Guardian

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

Stop whisking, then immediately and carefully pour the egg into the centre of the whirlpool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lower these carefully into a pan of simmering water and poach for 4 minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The show hangs on its carefully chosen and often filigreed dialogue, and it is that which leads you into the dark corners.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Listen carefully on stormy nights and babies can be heard crying on the wind that blows around the Reculver towers.

The Guardian - Travel

She said the IPCC had found no wrongdoing or misconduct for any of the armed officers involved in the operation and the recommendations would "be carefully reviewed by both ourselves and the Association of Chief Police Officers".

The Guardian

Here, every Saturday, Jane sells her own fruit, vegetables and, in autumn, meat, and the products of a few carefully chosen biodynamic growers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sun radiates down on me and my dog Rosie, who is lying carefully so as to not to crush the tubing that connects me to an electronic concentrator, providing oxygen 24 hours a day, via a nasal canula, should I need it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He carefully scrubbed up with alcohol gel before meeting patients at London's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carefully", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential negative outcome is being avoided or what positive outcome is being pursued through the careful action.

Common error

Avoid using "carefully" as a filler word. Always ensure that the sentence specifies the reason for the careful action; otherwise, the adverb loses its impact. For example, instead of saying "He drove carefully", specify "He drove carefully on the icy road".

Linguistic Context

The adverb "carefully" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action is carried out with attention, precision, and a conscious effort to avoid mistakes or negative consequences, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Lifestyle

16%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "carefully" is a common and versatile word used to describe actions performed with attention and precision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it's suitable for various registers, it's crucial to provide context to emphasize what consequences the careful action avoids or promotes. Alternatives like "cautiously" or "meticulously" offer nuanced shades of meaning. By avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity, writers can effectively leverage "carefully" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautiously

Similar to "carefully", but emphasizes avoiding potential dangers or problems.

attentively

Focuses on paying close attention and being observant.

meticulously

Stresses extreme attention to detail and precision.

with great attention

Emphasizes a high degree of focus and consideration.

with caution

Emphasizes the element of risk or potential danger that necessitates careful action.

circumspectly

Implies being wary and unwilling to take risks.

thoroughly

Highlights the completeness and exhaustiveness of the action.

in a detailed manner

Focuses on the level of detail and thoroughness in the approach.

heedfully

Implies paying close attention to advice or warnings.

gingerly

Suggests handling something with great care and delicacy, often due to fragility or potential harm.

FAQs

How can I use "carefully" in a sentence?

You can use "carefully" to describe an action done with attention and precision, such as, "She "carefully" reviewed the documents before signing" or "He "carefully" placed the vase on the shelf".

What are some alternatives to the word "carefully"?

Alternatives to "carefully" include "cautiously", "attentively", "meticulously", or "thoroughly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use an adverb like "carefully"?

No, it's not always necessary. If the verb inherently implies care or precision, using "carefully" might be redundant. For instance, "She examined the evidence" might suffice without needing ""carefully"".

What's the difference between "carefully" and "cautiously"?

"Carefully" generally means with attention and precision, while ""cautiously"" implies being wary and avoiding potential dangers. You'd handle fragile items "carefully" and approach a suspicious situation "cautiously".