cautious about

USAGE SUMMARY

"cautious about" is a perfectly legitimate and usable statement in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has taken care to consider all potential risks or hazards associated with a particular situation or task before they proceed. For example: "I was very cautious about investing in that new project, so I took the time to read all the documentation before I made my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was cautious about change.

The Economist

I'm very cautious about tomatoes.

Independent

But Joyce is cautious about his  future.

Independent

"We are very cautious about that.

The New York Times

Employers remain cautious about adding workers.

The New York Times

But he was cautious about the future.

The New York Times

But he is cautious about what's next.

The New York Times

"I'm extremely cautious about it," he said.

The New York Times

So we'll be overly cautious about it"..

The New York Times - Sports

"Politicians are very cautious about child protection.

The Guardian

He has been very cautious about that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cautious about" to advise others to proceed with care, especially when dealing with unfamiliar or potentially harmful situations.

Common error

Avoid using "cautious about" excessively, as it can make your writing seem overly hesitant. Use stronger, more decisive language when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautious about" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition. According to Ludwig, it describes a state of being wary or careful regarding something, often implying potential risks or uncertainties. Ludwig examples show it frequently modifies subjects who are evaluating situations or making decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cautious about" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies a careful and prudent approach to something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various domains. Its frequency is high in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, suggesting broad applicability. When writing, remember to use it to convey prudence and consideration, but avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "careful about" or "wary of" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careful regarding

Focuses on attention to detail and avoiding mistakes in relation to something.

circumspect concerning

Highlights prudence and awareness of potential consequences, more formal.

wary of

Implies suspicion and a need for vigilance regarding someone or something.

prudent with respect to

Suggests wisdom and careful consideration, often in formal contexts.

mindful of

Emphasizes awareness and consideration of something, promoting attentiveness.

heedful of

Stresses attentiveness and obedience to advice or warnings regarding something.

vigilant towards

Emphasizes watchfulness and readiness to detect or respond to potential threats.

concerned about

Expresses worry or anxiety regarding a particular issue or situation.

apprehensive about

Conveys a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

guarded about

Suggests a reserved or secretive approach to something, often due to potential risks.

FAQs

How can I use "cautious about" in a sentence?

You can use "cautious about" to indicate a careful or hesitant approach to something. For example, "I am always "cautious about" investing in new ventures without proper research".

What are some alternatives to "cautious about"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "careful about", "wary of", or "prudent regarding" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to be "cautious about" or "careful about" something?

While both suggest taking precautions, "cautious about" often implies a degree of hesitation or potential risk, while "careful about" simply means taking extra attention and effort.

When should I avoid using "cautious about"?

Avoid using "cautious about" when you want to convey strong conviction or certainty. In such cases, more assertive language would be appropriate.