cautious statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautious statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that is careful or guarded, often to avoid making definitive claims or to mitigate potential backlash. Example: "The spokesperson issued a cautious statement regarding the company's future plans, emphasizing the need for careful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Yes, this is a cautious statement.

The Washington Post

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders issued a cautious statement.

The Washington Post

The European Commission issued a cautious statement on Sunday.

The New York Times

A more cautious statement from Mitt Romney, expressing outrage at the incident, came a day later.

The New York Times

There has been a cautious statement of approval from the IMF, encouraging Nigeria's battered businessmen.

The Economist

Mr. Christie and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, a Democrat, issued a similarly cautious statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The universities involved in the proposed merger have made only cautious statements about it.

The New York Times

Amid effusive pledges of friendship, Mr Bush made promising, if cautious, statements on migration and the drug war, the two top issues on the bilateral agenda.

The Economist

We take that as a positive but do note the cautious statements from the chief executive on the analyst conference call.

The Guardian - Business

This, along with other cautious statements elsewhere in the Support Services sector, shows that the impact of the credit crunch still has to hit hard".

The Guardian - Business

Cautious statements from the European Union and the American State Department duly followed, while a harsher line came from a number of American senators.The government insists that it is simply applying the rule of law.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying uncertainty or avoiding strong claims, use "cautious statement" to signal prudence and careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "cautious statement" when a direct and assertive expression is more appropriate. Overuse can weaken your message and make you appear indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautious statement" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a direct object or subject complement. It describes a particular type of communication characterized by its careful and guarded nature, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cautious statement" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a carefully worded utterance that avoids strong commitments or definitive claims. As shown by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media to report on official responses to sensitive situations. While "cautious statement" is useful for conveying prudence and avoiding overcommitment, overuse can weaken your message. Consider alternatives like "guarded declaration" or "circumspect remark" to vary your language and maintain clarity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for neutral register, with widespread use in news, media and formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guarded declaration

Emphasizes the protective or defensive nature of the statement.

circumspect remark

Highlights the care and prudence taken in making the remark.

prudent announcement

Focuses on the wisdom and careful consideration behind the announcement.

restrained comment

Indicates a comment that is controlled and limited in scope.

qualified assertion

Suggests that the assertion is not absolute and comes with conditions.

measured response

Highlights the thoughtfulness and deliberation involved in the response.

reserved pronouncement

Implies a formal and somewhat distant tone in the pronouncement.

noncommittal utterance

Indicates a statement that avoids taking a definite position.

tentative affirmation

Suggests a weak or hesitant confirmation.

diplomatic communication

Emphasizes the tact and sensitivity employed in the communication.

FAQs

What does "cautious statement" mean?

A "cautious statement" is a carefully worded remark or announcement that avoids making definitive claims, often to mitigate potential risks or backlash. It signals prudence and a desire to avoid overcommitment.

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

You can use "cautious statement" to describe someone's response to a sensitive issue, for example: "The politician issued a "cautious statement" regarding the new economic policy."

What are some alternatives to "cautious statement"?

Alternatives to "cautious statement" include "guarded declaration", "circumspect remark", or "prudent announcement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use a "cautious statement"?

A "cautious statement" is appropriate when addressing sensitive or controversial topics, when you need to avoid making definitive claims, or when you want to signal prudence and careful consideration.