caveat

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'caveat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'caveat' to mean a warning or a qualification to a statement. For example: The caveat to my statement is that I haven't done exhaustive research on the topic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems obvious that the happiness of our citizens is what ultimately matters (though if you believe that the rights of non-human animals are just as important then I might be sympathetic to such a caveat).

The Guardian

With that caveat, it offers an attractive compromise between the convenience of a hotel and the independence of self-catering.

The Guardian - Travel

People often caveat their concerns with a message I would sum up as this: "It is not folk like you".

The Guardian

"A source" reportedly told the Sun that an Oasis reunion may very well be in the works – only with one crucial caveat: Noel wouldn't be involved.

The Guardian - Music

If they get a result here, they'll begin to look very much like early pacesetters in the East (with the caveat that the Dynamo don't play this week, of course).

The Guardian - Sport

It offers only one caveat, wondering how Coldplay can possibly "turn up the heat" any further than they already have on their notoriously raunchy XXX-rated back catalogue.

The Guardian - Film

"We caveat this data – we have been for decades, cautioning individuals and organizations from drawing conclusions from it, because we recognize it is incomplete data, it is disparate data that leaves too many holes and gaps," Morris said.

The Guardian

Coe spoke with the caveat of having not seen the programme which made the allegations, but he has seen the transcript.

The Guardian - Sport

But it has always come with the big caveat that doing so will make the tax system more regressive and the government will need to ensure payments to lower and middle class households are improved to account for this.

The Guardian - Business

A visitor to the FBI web page presenting the "justifiable homicides" figures, for example, encounters no caveat or disclaimer language of any kind.

The Guardian

When you add the caveat that these three incidents happened in the last four matches, it clearly strengthens the fans case.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caveat" to introduce a specific limitation or condition that readers should consider when interpreting a statement or situation. This ensures clarity and prevents potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't present information without including essential "caveats". Failing to mention crucial qualifications can lead to misinterpretations and flawed conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "caveat" is as a noun, often used to introduce a condition, exception, or warning. Ludwig AI affirms that the word is correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "caveat" functions primarily as a noun used to introduce a warning, qualification, or condition. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in English writing. Its usage spans various domains, but it's most common in news, formal business documents, and academic writing. When incorporating "caveat" into your writing, remember to introduce a specific limitation or condition that readers should consider to avoid misunderstandings. Related phrases include "limiting condition", "important exception", and "significant qualification". By being mindful of these guidelines, you can effectively enhance the clarity and accuracy of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important exception

Stresses the significance of the exception that the caveat presents, often altering the general rule.

significant qualification

Highlights the importance of the modification or condition introduced by the caveat.

qualifying provision

Emphasizes the modification or refinement that a caveat introduces to an agreement or statement.

critical warning

Emphasizes the cautionary aspect of a caveat, alerting to potential risks or problems.

essential reservation

Conveys that the caveat is a necessary point of disagreement.

key stipulation

Signifies that the caveat is a crucial term or requirement that must be met or considered.

vital disclaimer

Focuses on the role of the caveat in clarifying the scope or responsibility associated with a statement or action.

limiting condition

Focuses on the restrictive aspect of a caveat, highlighting its role in setting boundaries or limitations.

notable constraint

Underlines the restrictive nature of the caveat, indicating a limitation or restriction on what is possible or permissible.

specific condition

Highlights that the caveat is related to a particular requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "caveat" in a sentence?

You can use "caveat" to introduce a warning or qualification to a statement. For example: "The plan is feasible, with the "caveat" that funding must be secured."

What's a simple way to explain the meaning of "caveat"?

A "caveat" is essentially a warning or a condition that should be kept in mind when evaluating something. It's like saying, "Here's what you need to know, but there's one thing you should be aware of."

Which is the correct way to use "caveat emptor"?

The phrase "caveat emptor" is Latin for "let the buyer beware". It means that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.

What can I say instead of "caveat"?

You can use alternatives like "exception", "qualification", or "condition" depending on the context.