caution is called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caution is called" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that caution is necessary or advised in a particular situation, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "In this situation, caution is called for to avoid potential risks."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It also gives physicists investigating the link something real to play with in their search for how that link actually works.A little caution is called for.

The Economist

So, optimism tempered by caution is called for.A decade ago, researchers started exploring how fat acts as a hormone-producing tissue.

The Economist

Given the lack of movement over the past few months, and the fact that the race remains much closer in some daily tracking polls — in its latest update, Gallup has the race dead-even, and Rasmussen actually has Romney ahead by four points — caution is called for, Silver warns.

The New Yorker

In summary, each study represented a singular trial and caution is called for in interpreting the results of the studies as further research is likely to change the impact of confidence.

Health & Justice

However, caution is called for when interpreting these data.

BMC Medical Genomics

Caution is called for when interpreting the long term effects of a collaborative.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

While there's still room to grow, Ms. Masly said caution was called for.

The New York Times

Marcos Ambrose was riding the bumper of Kyle Busch, the race leader, during the final 10 laps of the race, when a caution was called because of a wreck involving Paul Menard.

The New York Times

Please, a degree of caution and circumspection is called for.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

No cautions were called until Brad Keselowski collided with the outside wall in turn four that brought out the sixth caution.

Wikipedia

On lap 28, Harvick began closing in on Biffle, but before he could pass him, the first cautions was called.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for stronger, more direct phrasings such as "caution is advised" or "caution is needed" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. These alternatives are widely accepted and understood.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "caution is called". Active voice often provides clearer and more impactful communication. For example, instead of "caution is called", consider "we should be cautious" or "exercise caution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caution is called" functions as a recommendation or suggestion for careful consideration in a particular situation. It's a passive construction, indicating that caution is the appropriate response. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "caution is called" appears in various sources, including news and scientific publications, it's not considered standard English. Therefore, it's best to opt for clearer and more direct alternatives such as "caution is advised", "caution is needed", or "caution is warranted". As Ludwig AI indicates, these alternatives are widely accepted and ensure better clarity. Using these alternatives can help writers avoid awkward phrasing and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caution is advised

Replaces "called" with a more common verb, "advised", to express a recommendation for carefulness.

caution is needed

Uses "needed" instead of "called" to indicate a requirement for caution.

caution is warranted

Substitutes "called" with "warranted", suggesting that caution is justified or necessary given the circumstances.

be cautious

Offers a more direct and active construction, advising someone to "be cautious".

exercise caution

Replaces the passive construction with an active one, suggesting a deliberate act of being careful.

prudence is advised

Uses "prudence", a synonym for caution, with the verb "advised".

discretion is advised

Suggests that careful judgment and tact are necessary.

care should be taken

Emphasizes the action of taking care, indicating a need for attentiveness.

one must be careful

A more formal phrasing suggesting it is important to be careful.

it is important to be cautious

Highlights the importance of being cautious in a certain situation.

FAQs

Is the phrase "caution is called" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "caution is called" appears in some publications, it is not considered standard English. More common and grammatically sound alternatives include "caution is advised", "caution is needed", or "caution is warranted".

What are some situations where you might use the phrase "caution is called"?

The phrase "caution is called" and it's alternatives are typically used in situations where there is a potential risk, uncertainty, or need for careful consideration. For example, in interpreting scientific data, assessing financial investments, or making policy decisions.

What can I say instead of "caution is called" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, it is best to use more precise and widely accepted alternatives such as "caution is warranted", "prudence is advised", or "exercise caution".

How does "caution is called" differ in meaning from "caution is advised"?

While both phrases convey a similar idea, "caution is advised" is a more standard and direct way of suggesting carefulness. "Caution is called" is less common and can sound awkward to some English speakers.