cautiously aware

USAGE SUMMARY

"cautiously aware" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is an adjective phrase that is used to describe a state of wariness or caution when dealing with a situation. For example, "He approached the situation cautiously aware that it might become volatile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some of the well-off in Pétionville who have reopened their businesses have done so cautiously, aware of the misfortune that persists on their doorstep.

The New York Times

They live in a poor Neapolitan neighbourhood after the second world war and meet in school, cautiously aware of each other, but yet to make the approach.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They each control a relatively small area of the city and are cautiously aware that the worst thing a career criminal can do is to get greedy.In London, Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester, the trade operates in a similar way.

The Economist

Cameron is still treading cautiously – aware of the need to bring public and political opinion with him, as well as to ensure a regional coalition is in place determined to defeat Isis with the support of largely western-led air power.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the same time, we try to move cautiously and remain aware of our roots: Many of the practices we follow, notably our decentralized approach to the management of each brand, were already in place.

Harvard Business Review

What about Dammersham-sub-Quiglingthorpe-Saint-Ethelburga-and-Allhallows-Magna? Smallweed cautiously counters: I was not aware that any such place existed.

The Guardian

Brown has tried to balance "fighting for working families and making sure we open the doors of opportunity to every single Oregonian" and treading cautiously because she is acutely aware that voters did not actually elect her into office.

HuffPost

He was able to gain the support of local officials and sailed cautiously for home with the goods, aware that the permission of Philadelphia's mayor did not bind the U.S. Navy.

Wikipedia

I cautiously mention the notion of genre, aware that the majority of writing about Lee Bannon ends up focusing on his ability to flip from laidback hip-hop to MaxMSP-made noisen'n'drone at the drop of a hat.

Vice

Prof Hutchings is cautiously excited about their discovery, as he is well aware that developing new drugs is hugely expensive and can take a great deal of time.

BBC

He played cautiously during his 250-minute innings, as he was aware that his team were relying on his success.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cautiously aware" to describe a state where someone is not only conscious of something but also acting with prudence due to that awareness. This implies a balanced approach of knowledge and careful action.

Common error

While "cautiously aware" is grammatically correct, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "careful" or "mindful" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautiously aware" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's state of mind or behavior. It indicates a dual condition of possessing knowledge or consciousness (aware) and acting with prudence or care (cautiously). Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cautiously aware" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase that describes someone who possesses both knowledge and prudence. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is correct and usable in English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the contexts of its use tend to be neutral, spanning news media, wiki entries, and scientific discourse. The phrase serves to convey a sense of informed caution, blending consciousness and care in a balanced manner. When considering alternatives, phrases like "carefully cognizant" or ""warily observant"" can provide similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefully cognizant

This alternative stresses thoroughness in recognizing or knowing something.

guardedly conscious

This version emphasizes being protected or restrained in one's awareness.

warily observant

This alternative underlines vigilance and attentiveness to potential dangers or issues.

circumspect and informed

This alternative highlights prudence and knowledge, suggesting a careful approach based on information.

watchfully understanding

This suggests observation combined with comprehension and caution.

mindful with reservation

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of being thoughtful and attentive but includes a sense of holding back or reservation.

vigilantly informed

This emphasizes being watchful and knowledgeable.

heedful and perceptive

This alternative focuses on paying close attention and having a good understanding.

prudent and attentive

This highlights the wisdom and attentiveness in one's actions.

discreetly knowledgeable

This combines caution with possessing information but acting with discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "cautiously aware" in a sentence?

You can use "cautiously aware" to describe someone who is both conscious of a situation and behaving carefully because of it. For example, "The negotiator was "carefully cognizant" of the political sensitivities involved and proceeded "cautiously".

What's a less formal way to say "cautiously aware"?

Less formal alternatives include "careful", "mindful", or "watchful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase "warily observant", for instance, works well in many situations.

Is "cautiously aware" redundant?

While both words imply a level of attention, "cautiously aware" is not necessarily redundant. "Aware" simply means conscious, while "cautiously" adds the dimension of acting with care due to that awareness. The related phrase "guardedly conscious" also shows this distinction.

What's the difference between "cautiously aware" and "naively unaware"?

"Cautiously aware" describes a state of being conscious and careful, while "naively unaware" describes a state of being innocently ignorant. They are near opposites, with the phrase "prudent and attentive" serving as one contrast.