exercise caution

USAGE SUMMARY

'exercise caution' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express that one should take care and be careful. You can use it in any context when someone needs to be cautious. Example: "When you're making financial decisions, exercise caution; it's important to fully understand the risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise Caution.

Stanford University

Please exercise caution".

The New York Times

Exercise Caution When Uploading.

Stanford University

Please exercise caution when traveling.

The Guardian

But at night, exercise caution.

The New York Times - Travel

"We're asking people to exercise caution and common sense".

The Guardian

The State Department urged Americans overseas "to exercise caution".

The New York Times

"We Urge You to Exercise Caution While Riding Scooters".

The New York Times

By the same token, investors need to exercise caution.

The New York Times

The mayor urged people to bundle up and exercise caution.

The New York Times

C.E.O.s certainly don't have much personal incentive to exercise caution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone about a potentially dangerous situation, use "exercise caution" to clearly communicate the need for careful action and awareness. For example, "When operating heavy machinery, always "exercise caution" to prevent accidents".

Common error

While "exercise caution" is appropriate in formal settings, it can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "be careful" or "watch out" to maintain a natural tone. For example, instead of saying "Exercise caution when crossing the street", you could say "Be careful when crossing the street".

How to use

Learn how to use "exercise caution" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise caution" serves as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to be careful and take necessary precautions. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, demonstrating its versatility in conveying risk awareness and encouraging prudent behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise caution" is a widely used phrase that advises prudence and carefulness in potentially risky situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, wiki and academic settings. When a more casual tone is warranted, alternatives like "be careful" might be more suitable. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and academic institutions underscores its importance in formal communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Remember to "exercise caution" when choosing the right phrasing for your audience!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be careful

Focuses on the state of being wary and attentive to potential dangers.

proceed with care

Emphasizes the action of moving forward thoughtfully and deliberately.

take precautions

Highlights the act of implementing measures to prevent harm or risk.

be vigilant

Stresses the importance of being watchful and alert to potential problems.

act prudently

Emphasizes wise and sensible behavior in decision-making.

use discretion

Highlights the importance of using good judgment and sensitivity.

mind yourself

An informal way of telling someone to take care and be cautious.

look out

A more direct and immediate warning to be aware of surroundings.

remain alert

Focuses on maintaining a state of readiness and awareness.

play it safe

Suggests choosing the most secure and risk-averse option.

FAQs

What does "exercise caution" mean?

"Exercise caution" means to be careful and prudent, taking steps to avoid potential risks or dangers. It implies being aware of your surroundings and acting with thoughtfulness.

How can I use "exercise caution" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise caution" when advising someone to be careful. For example: "When investing, always "exercise caution"" or "Please "exercise caution" when handling flammable materials".

What are some alternative ways to say "exercise caution"?

Alternatives to "exercise caution" include "be careful", "take precautions", or "proceed with care". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

When is it most appropriate to use "exercise caution"?

"Exercise caution" is most appropriate in situations where there is a clear potential for risk or danger. It is often used in formal or professional settings to advise careful action. Using "exercise caution" in informal contexts could sound unnatural.