cavalier about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “cavalier about” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who is careless and indifferent, often to a degree that is thoughtless. For example, “She was so cavalier about her role in the project that she forgot to complete her assigned tasks.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We weren't cavalier about it.

The Washington Post

"I can't be cavalier about money.

The New York Times

He was cavalier about chronic deficits.

The New York Times

We should never be cavalier about inflation.

The Guardian

Londoners, though, seem cavalier about viewing body parts as art.

The Economist

Or is he too cavalier about the office?

The New York Times

Kelsey is hardly cavalier about what she's doing.

The New York Times

"I was pretty cavalier about it," she said, shrugging.

The New York Times - Sports

"The open-source community has been pretty cavalier about this.

The New York Times

"We certainly can't get cavalier about it," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

All too often, New Yorkers are cavalier about their past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cavalier about", ensure the context makes clear what the potential negative consequences are. This clarifies why the cavalier attitude is inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cavalier about" when simple ignorance is the issue, rather than a knowing disregard. The phrase implies awareness of potential risks or problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cavalier about" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing someone's attitude or behavior. It typically indicates a careless or indifferent approach to something important, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cavalier about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes a carelessly indifferent attitude. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to express disapproval or concern regarding someone's lack of seriousness, predominantly within news and media contexts. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "indifferent to" or "unconcerned with", each carries its own subtle nuance. When employing "cavalier about", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences to underscore the inappropriateness of the attitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indifferent to

Focuses on a lack of interest or concern.

unconcerned with

Highlights a lack of worry or anxiety.

dismissive of

Emphasizes a rejection or disregard of something.

nonchalant about

Suggests a casual lack of concern, often deliberately.

blasé about

Implies a jaded indifference due to overexposure.

offhand regarding

Indicates a casual and potentially rude lack of attention.

careless with

Stresses a lack of caution or responsibility.

flippant toward

Conveys a disrespectful levity.

superficial regarding

Highlights a lack of depth or thoroughness.

glib concerning

Indicates a smooth but insincere lack of concern.

FAQs

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

Use "cavalier about" to describe someone who is carelessly indifferent or shows a lack of concern, especially when they should be serious. For example, "The company was "cavalier about" safety regulations, which led to several accidents."

What are some alternatives to saying "cavalier about"?

You can use alternatives like "indifferent to", "unconcerned with", or "dismissive of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "cavalier with" instead of "cavalier about"?

While "cavalier about" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing, "cavalier with" can be used in some contexts, especially when referring to how someone handles something tangible, like "cavalier with information". However, "cavalier about" is generally preferred for abstract concepts.

What's the difference between "cavalier about" and "careless about"?

"Careless about" generally implies a lack of attention or diligence, while "cavalier about" suggests a more deliberate or knowing disregard for potential consequences. Someone careless about something might simply forget, while someone cavalier is consciously downplaying the importance of something.