caution is imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caution is imperative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the necessity of being careful in a particular situation or context. Example: "When handling hazardous materials, caution is imperative to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For most of these agents, extreme caution is imperative at more severe degrees of renal dysfunction.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ningen is composed of two characters, nin, meaning 'person' or 'human being,' and gen, meaning 'space' or 'between.' He cautions that it is imperative to recognize that a human being is not just an individual, but is also a member of many social groupings.

SEP

Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler, cautions that it is imperative to know what is and isn't covered in a policy, since terms can vary widely.

Huffington Post

However, extreme caution and broad public discussion is imperative before authorizing such intentional intrusions into people's personality.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Moreover, it is imperative to use caution when interpreting genetic variants with limited information.

Endocrine-Related Cancer

When applying Segma snaps, it is imperative to use caution when setting them, as the softness of the metal can easily become bent or over-set.

WikiHow

It is imperative that you use appropriate caution with any recipes you choose.

WikiHow

Finally, a word of caution: while it is true that technology is complicated, it is imperative that we remain educated.

Columbia University

Dr. Slavkin cautioned that, despite all the advances, "a well-educated and well-trained clinician is imperative".

The New York Times - Health

Here, too, mutual trust is imperative: "It's not for people who have something to hide," cautions attorney Crouch.

Forbes

Black cautions that while more is now being done, a concerted approach "in partnership with communities" is imperative.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, consider using alternatives like "caution is essential" or "caution is necessary" which are less formal, but still convey the importance of being careful.

Common error

Avoid using "caution is imperative" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pompous. Choose a more relaxed phrasing to suit the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caution is imperative" functions as a statement emphasizing the critical need for carefulness. As supported by Ludwig, it conveys a strong recommendation to avoid risks. The term 'imperative' underscores the urgency and importance of being cautious in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caution is imperative" is a grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the critical need for carefulness. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is best suited for formal contexts where precision and a serious tone are appropriate. While it is relatively rare in general usage, according to Ludwig, the phrase effectively conveys the importance of avoiding risks and potential dangers. Less formal alternatives include phrases like "caution is essential" or "caution is necessary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caution is essential

Replaces "imperative" with "essential", softening the tone while maintaining the core meaning.

caution is necessary

Substitutes "imperative" with "necessary", indicating a need for caution but with slightly less urgency.

caution is vital

Replaces "imperative" with "vital", highlighting the critical importance of being cautious.

caution is crucial

Substitutes "imperative" with "crucial", emphasizing the decisive importance of caution.

careful consideration is imperative

Adds "careful consideration" to specify the type of caution needed, making the phrase more descriptive.

prudence is paramount

Uses different vocabulary to express the same idea, with "prudence" and "paramount" conveying carefulness and utmost importance respectively.

vigilance is essential

Replaces both "caution" and "imperative" with "vigilance" and "essential", shifting the focus to alertness and necessity.

it's imperative to be cautious

Rephrases the sentence structure while retaining the original meaning.

a cautious approach is imperative

Adds the noun approach to the expression. The sentence focuses on the 'how' instead of 'what'.

exercising caution is key

This option highlights the act of being cautious, implying that actively avoiding recklessness is the solution.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "caution is imperative"?

The phrase "caution is imperative" is suitable for formal contexts where emphasizing the critical need for carefulness is paramount, such as safety guidelines, legal documents, or professional communications. It is less appropriate for casual conversations.

What are some less formal alternatives to "caution is imperative"?

You can use alternatives like "caution is essential", "caution is necessary", or "be careful" in more relaxed settings.

How does "caution is imperative" differ from "caution is advised"?

"Caution is imperative" suggests that being cautious is absolutely crucial and non-negotiable. "Caution is advised", on the other hand, merely recommends carefulness as a good practice, without the same level of urgency or necessity.

Is "caution is imperative" grammatically correct?

Yes, "caution is imperative" is grammatically correct. "Caution" is a noun, "is" is a linking verb, and "imperative" is an adjective describing the state of caution. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure.