caution ought to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caution ought to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that caution is necessary or advisable in a particular situation. Example: "In this volatile market, caution ought to be exercised when making investment decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nonetheless, these activities were restricted to a single major urban trauma center and have a limited sample size; thus, confidence in the generalizability of the results must be appropriately tempered as caution ought to be used when extrapolating these findings to populations not addressed in this study.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But before people and governments resort to regulatory clampdowns that could "distort or stifle the meaningful functioning of our markets," the chairman cautioned, they ought to let natural market forces straighten out the tangled skein starting with conservation by businesses and consumers.

Forbes

Given the economic climate, Mr. Harteveldt cautioned that hotels ought to focus on Internet access and other essential technologies that either help justify a higher room rate or attract more guests.

The New York Times

Ought to!

Forbes

It ought to!

TechCrunch

"Before you say anything to the press," he cautioned, "I think you ought to take a look at this.

The Guardian - Books

The troubles in other emerging markets ought to counsel caution.

The Economist

The phrase "inspired by" — beloved of fusion restaurants, cover bands and biopics about suicidal poets and dyslexic linebackers — ought to strike caution, if not fear, in the hearts of readers.

The New York Times

Using graduation rates to calculate college performance should be done with caution, if at all, and ought to consider the mission of the institution, said Daniel Hurley, associate vice president for government relations and state policy at the American Assn. of State Colleges and Universities.

Los Angeles Times

Should the UN really be doing this?The starting point ought to be extreme caution.

The Economist

Martin Kettle writes: Judges are properly wary of journalists, and journalists ought to respect that caution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the phrase with alternatives like "caution should be" or "one should exercise caution" for increased clarity and accessibility, especially in less formal writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "caution ought to" can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural phrasing like "be careful" or "it's best to be cautious" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caution ought to" primarily functions as a means of advising or recommending a careful approach in a given situation. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its usability. The examples show it used to temper expectations or actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caution ought to" serves as a formal recommendation for careful consideration, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it is more suited to formal and scientific contexts than everyday conversation. Its usage aims to promote prudence and prevent potential negative consequences. When seeking alternative expressions, consider options like "caution should be" or "one should exercise caution" to maintain clarity and accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caution should

Replaces "ought to" with "should", offering a more common and direct expression of recommendation.

it is advisable to be cautious

Emphasizes the advisability of being cautious, rather than directly stating that caution is necessary.

one should exercise caution

Uses a more formal and impersonal tone, replacing "ought to" with "should exercise" and "caution" remains.

prudence dictates

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "caution" with "prudence" and "ought to" with "dictates", indicating a wise course of action.

a careful approach is recommended

Focuses on the approach, suggesting that it should be careful, rather than directly stating the need for caution.

care should be taken

Emphasizes the action of taking care, rather than directly stating the need for caution.

it would be wise to be careful

Suggests that being careful is a wise course of action, rather than directly stating the need for caution.

discretion is advised

Highlights the importance of using good judgment and being discreet in a particular situation.

circumspection is necessary

Replaces "caution" with "circumspection", indicating a need to be watchful and discreet.

heed should be paid

Implies the need for caution by suggesting that attention and consideration should be given to something.

FAQs

How can I use "caution ought to" in a sentence?

You can use "caution ought to" to suggest careful consideration or prudence in a particular situation. For example, "In this rapidly changing market, "caution ought to" be exercised when making investment decisions".

What are some alternatives to "caution ought to"?

Some alternatives include "caution should be", "one should exercise caution", or "it is advisable to be cautious". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "caution ought to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "caution ought to" is grammatically correct, although it may sound slightly formal or archaic in some contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "caution ought to"?

It is most appropriate to use "caution ought to" in formal writing or when emphasizing the importance of prudence. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "be careful" or "it's best to be cautious" may be more suitable.