excessive caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being overly careful or hesitant, often to the point of being counterproductive. Example: "While it's important to be careful, his excessive caution prevented him from taking necessary risks in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I view this as post-Enron excessive caution," he said.

The New York Times

Excessive caution may lead to boardroom and compliance stagnation.

The New York Times

As for Leveson's question, I doubt the excessive caution being shown by the tabloids will last.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither lack of appetite nor excessive caution has ever hindered Murdoch.

The New Yorker

There is a fine line between success and failure, and the difference is often excessive caution.

The New York Times

"Excessive caution in these jobs becomes a rationale for inactivity," Mr. Holbrooke said.

The New York Times

Often, veterans with PTSD will drive with excessive caution — or stop driving altogether.

The New York Times

For all his excessive caution Brown was boxing clever on the issue that decides elections.

Independent

The excessive caution on all fronts ultimately did not enhance Carmichael's legacy.

The New York Times - Arts

A climate of excessive caution has robbed opera of the animal excitement it needs to thrill a large audience.

The New York Times

But officers on the scene also suggested that the operation had been canceled because of excessive caution and bureaucratic inefficiency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a balanced tone, recognize that while prudence is valuable, "excessive caution" can stifle innovation and progress. Be mindful of the context to determine if the level of caution is indeed excessive.

Common error

Avoid automatically labeling caution as "excessive". Always evaluate whether the careful approach is justified by the risks involved. Hasty judgment can undermine necessary safeguards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive caution" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive caution" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a state of being overly careful, often to the detriment of progress or effectiveness. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news articles, scientific reports, and business analyses. While prudence is valuable, it's crucial to recognize when caution becomes "excessive", potentially stifling innovation or necessary risk-taking. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcautiousness

This term is a more direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being excessively cautious.

undue prudence

Replaces "caution" with "prudence", suggesting a higher degree of carefulness that might be unwarranted.

extreme wariness

This phrase highlights the suspicion and distrust associated with the caution.

unwarranted carefulness

Directly criticizes the caution as being unnecessary or unjustified.

excessive circumspection

Replaces "caution" with a more formal term, indicating a very deliberate and careful approach.

playing it too safe

An idiomatic expression suggesting a reluctance to take risks.

overly conservative approach

Emphasizes the adherence to traditional methods and avoidance of innovation due to fear of risk.

hesitant approach

Highlights the delay and reluctance in acting due to caution.

timidity

Focuses on the lack of courage and boldness, which leads to excessive caution.

undue hesitation

Specifies that the caution manifests as a delay or reluctance to act.

FAQs

How to use "excessive caution" in a sentence?

You can use "excessive caution" to describe situations where someone is being overly careful or hesitant. For example: "His "excessive caution" prevented him from taking necessary risks."

What can I say instead of "excessive caution"?

You can use alternatives like "overcautiousness", "undue prudence", or "extreme wariness depending on the context.

Which is correct, "excessive caution" or "excess caution"?

"Excessive caution" is more common and idiomatic. While "excess caution" is understandable, it's less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "excessive caution" and "risk aversion"?

"Excessive caution" describes the act of being overly careful in a particular situation, while "risk aversion" is a broader personality trait characterized by a general reluctance to take risks.