cautiously

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cautiously" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that means in a careful, or measured way. You can use it when you want to describe how someone is performing an action, such as walking, looking, or speaking. For example: I cautiously opened the door and peered inside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One pair of these birds made their appearance at the latter end of February, and, after cautiously surveying the place, began to construct a nest with branches which they very dextrously broke from the trees.

The Guardian

Deo sits in a clearing, explaining his work to a group of cautiously interested elders.

The Guardian

As Sir Bradley Wiggins cautiously negotiated the series of tight right-angle bends and speed bumps out of Knowsley safari park on to the Prescot bypass at the start of the time trial, one spectator watched his slow progress and said loudly: "I hope he speeds up a bit".

The Guardian - Sport

But, as Brooks has taught us all, they just need to be dealt with cautiously.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The journalist Njeri Rugene, who broke the story in the Kenyan Daily Nation, is cautiously optimistic.

The Guardian

Albeit cautiously, Moxon did admit to annoyance that, while England are seemingly targeting four or five coaching candidates, only Gillespie was addressed by name in the England and Wales Cricket Board press conference.

The Guardian - Sport

"They just walked slowly and cautiously, fearful of bombs and mines that were sown in the area.

The Guardian

What he wants is: 1) access – a near-constant availability to him, his executives, and his editors; 2) receptivity – you've got to take the Murdoch worldview into account; treat it seriously; cross it cautiously; and understand the power behind it.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, unions representing the NHS's 400,000 nurses responded cautiously to the idea, which emerged during a recent consultation run by HEE, which spends £5bn a year ensuring that the NHS has the workforce it needs.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the big internet names, fearful of being left behind, have also begun to dip their toes cautiously into these fast-moving waters.

The Guardian

This is entirely, perhaps cautiously, in line with how these things are done in other lands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions in uncertain or high-risk situations, using "cautiously" can effectively convey the level of care and attention required.

Common error

Avoid using "cautiously" when the action naturally implies care. Overuse can make your writing sound unnatural or overly formal. For example, instead of "He cautiously drank the water", consider "He sipped the water" if the context already implies carefulness.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "cautiously" modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usability. It indicates that an action is carried out with care and deliberation, often due to potential risks or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "cautiously" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to express care and alertness in approaching a situation. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage across a range of contexts. Predominantly found in news, business and academic writing, it indicates a measured approach to potentially risky or uncertain scenarios. While synonyms like "warily" or "prudently" offer alternatives, "cautiously" maintains a versatile presence in both formal and neutral registers. Overuse should be avoided in simple contexts where carefulness is already implied. In essence, "cautiously" provides a nuanced way to communicate awareness and diligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a guarded manner

Emphasizes the protective or defensive aspect of the action.

with care

Focuses on the care taken in an action, rather than the hesitancy.

with a measured approach

Focuses on the controlled and deliberate nature of the action.

with circumspection

Highlights prudence and awareness of potential consequences.

circumspectly

Highlights thoughtfulness and careful assessment of a situation.

taking precautions

Focuses on the preemptive measures taken to ensure safety or success.

gingerly

Suggests a delicate or hesitant touch.

with prudence

Focuses on wisdom and good judgment in actions.

in a conservative way

Emphasizes a cautious approach to avoid risks or changes.

pragmatically

Focuses on approaching something realistically.

FAQs

How can I use "cautiously" in a sentence?

"Cautiously" is an adverb that describes how an action is performed, indicating care and deliberation. For example: "She "cautiously approached" the unfamiliar dog." or "The company is "cautiously optimistic" about the new market.".

What's the difference between "cautiously" and "carefully"?

While both indicate attentiveness, "cautiously" suggests a greater awareness of potential danger or risk. "Carefully" implies attention to detail and accuracy. "He "carefully drove" the car." focuses on skill, while "He "cautiously drove" the car." suggests hazardous conditions.

What are some synonyms for "cautiously"?

Alternatives for "cautiously" include "warily", "guardedly", "prudently", and "discreetly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each carries a slightly different connotation of care and attentiveness.

When is it appropriate to use "cautiously" in writing?

Use "cautiously" when you want to emphasize a sense of potential danger, uncertainty, or the need for careful consideration. It's appropriate when describing actions taken with a degree of wariness or alertness to possible negative consequences.