drive cautiously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive cautiously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to operate a vehicle with care and attention to safety. Example: "During the storm, it's important to drive cautiously to avoid accidents on the slippery roads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

While sport utility owners do drive cautiously sometimes, the report said, "either due to their driving preference or the feeling of size/ safety they have from their vehicle, they are more likely to push the safety envelope".

The New York Times

Even if Feeley is a spare tire, Reid has not asked his West Coast offense to drive cautiously.

The New York Times - Sports

At first, with Button winning six of the first seven races, the Brawn looked nearly invincible — until suddenly Button began to drive cautiously to preserve his lead.

The New York Times - Sports

As cars drive cautiously through the pipe-like structure, the tunnel gradually yields -- as if through an ever wider picture frame that opens toward the western horizon -- dramatic views of the Hudson and its opposite shores that would have seduced Hendrik Hudson himself.

The New York Times

These drivers drove on the same route, but three were asked to drive cautiously and the others asked to drive recklessly.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

They drive cautiously, for good reason: Roadblocks and other diversions often appear without warning.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

On the six-lane highway, Yang drove cautiously, never exceeding 40 miles per hour.

The New York Times - Magazine

On a recent mission, soldiers from the Fourth Squadron, Ninth Cavalry Regiment drove cautiously through an intersection.

The New York Times

We gunned the pickup and made it past the crowd; on the way into the hills, we drove cautiously through back streets.

The New Yorker

Ina May Gaskin drives cautiously round the winding dirt tracks of the Farm, an eco-community buried deep in a 100-acre backwood south of Nashville.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Henry drove cautiously, both hands gripping the steering wheel, as he always did after a drink, while Ted, in the passenger seat, talked with expert knowledge about a coming basketball game.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "drive cautiously", specify the conditions or reasons for caution, such as "Drive cautiously due to icy roads" or "Drive cautiously in residential areas".

Common error

Avoid using "drive cautiously" in contexts where it's already implied. Instead of saying "Remember to drive cautiously on the highway", focus on specific advice like "Maintain a safe following distance on the highway".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive cautiously" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb "drive" to describe the manner in which the action should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drive cautiously" is a grammatically sound and generally appropriate phrase used to advise careful vehicle operation. Ludwig AI states that it's a usable phrase. Its use is most common in news and media contexts and in general advice. While relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys the importance of safety and awareness while driving. Alternatives like "drive safely" or "operate a vehicle with care" can offer similar meanings, with a recommendation to specify the reason or conditions for caution when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive safely

A more direct and commonly used alternative focusing on safety.

drive attentively

Highlights paying attention to your driving.

operate a vehicle with care

Replaces "drive" with a more general term and specifies the manner of operation.

proceed with caution

Focuses on the act of proceeding while emphasizing the need for caution.

drive with vigilance

Highlights the importance of being watchful and alert while driving.

handle the car gingerly

Uses a more descriptive and figurative way to express cautious handling.

be a mindful driver

Emphasizes the state of being aware and attentive while driving.

adopt a careful driving style

Shifts the focus to a habitual driving style emphasizing care.

motor warily

Replaces "drive" with "motor" and "cautiously" with "warily", indicating heightened alertness.

navigate with prudence

Emphasizes the wisdom and carefulness in navigating the road.

FAQs

What does "drive cautiously" mean?

"Drive cautiously" means to operate a vehicle with extra care and attention, being mindful of potential hazards and adhering to safety practices to prevent accidents.

What can I say instead of "drive cautiously"?

You can use alternatives like "drive safely", "operate a vehicle with care", or "proceed with caution" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "driving cautiously" instead of "drive cautiously"?

Yes, "driving cautiously" is a grammatically correct alternative. "Drive cautiously" is often used as an instruction or command, while "driving cautiously" describes the action as it is happening.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "drive cautiously"?

It is most appropriate to use the phrase "drive cautiously" when there are specific conditions that require extra care, such as bad weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar roads.