cautions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cautions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective or a verb. For example: "We must be cautious in our decision-making process" or "The doctor cautioned me against taking ibuprofen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The third issue the EFF is concerned with is that of intermediary liability, which burdens ISPs and websites with stricter copyright infringement laws in a way that is veiled censorship, cautions Sutton.

The Guardian - Business

She cautions against jumping to conclusions over the meaning of fatfleshed cows and catafalques, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zheltoukhova cautions that it is not always easy to identify the cause of poor leadership.

The Guardian

Deeney was one of four Watford players booked and the final one of these cautions Adlène Guedioura was perhaps lucky to stay on the field after a reckless challenge on Lewis Dunk but Watford were worthy winners despite Brighton's late, desperate siege.

The Guardian - Sport

The group cautions against a split unionist vote in May undoing the hard work of the referendum campaign.

The Guardian

They came to the final with a long list of previous convictions, having committed more fouls (152) and received more cautions (19) than any other team in the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Her feeling is that Cannes was a little simpler, a little sleepier, back then in the 1950s, although Trintignant cautions against turning too nostalgic.

The Guardian - Film

Der Haroutunian cautions the cook to "press on the sheets as little as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the billionaire businessman cautions that it's a mistake assume the poorest behave differently to other customers.

The Guardian

Renaissance Capital's Kouzmin cautions against bank interventions which use up reserves and widen trade deficits.

The Guardian

But Webster cautions that while it will be possible to "get somewhere" in five years, realising it in full is "going to take 10".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cautions", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential danger or negative consequence is being highlighted.

Common error

While "cautions" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in casual settings. Opt for alternatives like "warns" or "advises" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

"Cautions" primarily functions as a verb, typically in the third-person singular form, indicating that someone is giving a warning or advice. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cautions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that conveys warning or advice, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to alert someone about potential dangers, making it suitable for neutral to formal contexts. The phrase is commonly found in news and media outlets, alongside formal business communications. When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific risk being highlighted and consider alternatives like "advises" or "warns" for a more natural tone in informal settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "cautions" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warns

Emphasizes a potential danger or negative consequence more directly.

forewarns

Stresses the act of warning someone in advance about a potential issue.

alerts

Focuses on bringing immediate attention to a specific danger or problem.

advises against

Specifically recommends avoiding a particular action or decision.

advises

Suggests a milder form of guidance or recommendation, lacking the intensity of a warning.

admonishes

Indicates a formal or authoritative reprimand or warning.

urges

Conveys a strong and insistent recommendation or encouragement.

counsel

Implies offering advice, often in a professional or therapeutic context.

notifies

Highlights the act of informing someone about something important or urgent.

enjoins

Implies a formal or legal command or instruction.

FAQs

How can I use "cautions" in a sentence?

"Cautions" can be used to indicate warning or advising someone about potential risks or dangers. For example, "The doctor "warns" against excessive sugar intake."

What are some alternatives to using "cautions"?

Alternatives to "cautions" include "advises", "warns", "alerts", or "forewarns", depending on the specific context and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Which is more formal, "cautions" or "warns"?

"Cautions" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "warns", but both are suitable for professional and academic writing.

In what contexts is "cautions" most appropriately used?

"Cautions" is suitable for formal contexts, such as news reporting, academic papers, and professional communications. It's often used to convey potential risks or negative consequences in a measured, objective manner.