cautious questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautious questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to inquiries that are made carefully or with consideration to avoid offending or causing discomfort. Example: "During the meeting, she asked cautious questions to ensure that everyone felt comfortable sharing their opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you meet on a site like MySpace, then be cautious ask questions and see that it's not a fake.

WikiHow

"It's not a question of being bold or cautious; the question is: Are you assisting the political branches in promoting progressive constitutional values like liberty, equality and justice?" Balkin told me recently.

The New York Times - Magazine

But others remain cautious, and question Mujuru's ability to survive Zimbabwe's bruising political landscape.

The Guardian

Be curious, not cautious, and question everything.

HuffPost

He was cautious when answering questions, and was careful not to criticize the new Administration.

The New Yorker

Deliberately cautious, it avoids questions of joint taxation and steers even clearer of adoption or citizenship rights.

The Economist

Beamonte was cautious about answering questions about whether customers might have been exposed to contaminated meat previously because of Silvercrest practices.

The Guardian - Business

For decades, Kerry Emanuel, the meteorologist and hurricane specialist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was known as a cautious centrist on questions of global warming and hurricane ferocity.

The New York Times - Science

At the convention, Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez's cautious response to questions about the leaders' concerns underscored how the complexities of the president's signature domestic accomplishment and a longstanding goal of labor continue to present political difficulties for Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

Yesterday, while we dug through thousands of tweets throughout the day about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, we noticed a few cautious tweeters asking questions about the next steps.

Huffington Post

Some were eager to try every pain treatment that was claimed to be effective, whereas others were more cautious and asked questions before making decisions: Mr. S's wife, who lives in … Village … asked me, "… do you want to take this herbal medication?

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cautious questions", ensure the context highlights the need for sensitivity or care. This phrase is particularly effective when exploring delicate topics or navigating potentially contentious situations.

Common error

Avoid using "cautious questions" when a straightforward inquiry suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily hesitant or imply a level of risk that doesn't exist. Choose simpler alternatives like "inquiries" or "questions" for routine situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautious questions" functions as a noun phrase, where "cautious" modifies the noun "questions". It typically appears as the object of a verb, describing the manner in which questions are asked. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in English, though examples are limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cautious questions" is grammatically sound, referring to inquiries made with care and sensitivity. While not frequently used, according to Ludwig, it's appropriate in contexts requiring tact and consideration. Alternative phrases like "careful inquiries" or "prudent questions" can offer similar meanings. When employing this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where the need for caution is evident, avoiding overuse in more neutral scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careful inquiries

Emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in the questions.

guarded questions

Highlights the hesitancy and possible reservation in the questions asked.

prudent questions

Focuses on the wisdom and thoughtfulness behind the questions.

circumspect questions

Stresses the awareness of potential risks or consequences in the questions.

discreet questions

Highlights the sensitivity and respectfulness in the questioning approach.

sensitive inquiries

Focuses on the consideration of emotional or delicate topics.

deliberate questions

Highlights the intentional and well-thought-out nature of the questions.

measured questions

Emphasizes the controlled and balanced approach to questioning.

considered questions

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and reflection involved in formulating the questions.

restrained questions

Highlights the controlled and limited nature of the questions, possibly to avoid overstepping.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The lawyer approached the witness with "cautious questions", aware of the sensitivity of the case" or "She asked "cautious questions" to avoid causing offense."

What are some alternatives to "cautious questions"?

Alternatives include "careful inquiries", "guarded questions", or "prudent questions" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to ask "cautious questions"?

It's appropriate when dealing with sensitive subjects, individuals who may be easily upset, or situations where the potential for misinterpretation is high. The goal is to gather information while minimizing harm or discomfort.

What's the difference between "cautious questions" and "probing questions"?

"Cautious questions" emphasize care and sensitivity to avoid offense or harm, while "probing questions" aim to uncover hidden information or get to the root of an issue, potentially being more direct or assertive.