exercise caution when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise caution when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need to be prudent or careful in a particular situation. For example: "Exercise caution when operating a motor vehicle in hazardous weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise Caution When Uploading.

Stanford University

Please exercise caution when traveling.

The Guardian

Therefore, researchers and practicing engineers should exercise caution when designing LBSs to avoid unfavorable acceleration responses.

Engineering Structures

Please exercise caution when receiving any emails related to the disaster and confirm their authenticity.

Cornell University

Industry analysts urge investors to exercise caution when picking REITs, however.

The New York Times

Users may still have to exercise caution when sharing files stored on these services, however.

The Guardian - Tech

Exercise caution when giving.

Forbes

I would also exercise caution when it comes to investing in startups at high valuations.

TechCrunch

Physicians naturally exercise caution when the patient is unwilling to disclose to at-risk relatives.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

For this reason, employers should exercise caution when using blind hiring to improve diversity.

Forbes

Fallen trees have blocked roads and police have advised motorists to exercise caution when driving.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise caution when", follow it with a clear explanation of the specific situation or activity that requires careful attention. This provides context and helps the reader understand the potential risks involved.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise caution when" without specifying the context. Saying "exercise caution when using the internet" is too broad. Instead, specify: "exercise caution when sharing personal information online."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise caution when" functions as an advisory phrase, primarily used to warn and guide individuals towards careful behavior in specific scenarios. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise caution when" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to advise someone to be careful and mindful in specific situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from providing safety advice to issuing formal warnings. Its frequent appearance in WikiHow and news articles underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, provide a clear and specific context to maximize its effectiveness. Alternatives like "be careful when" and "proceed with caution when" offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis, making the phrase versatile for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be careful when

Focuses directly on being careful, simpler in wording.

take care when

Similar to 'be careful', but with a slightly more gentle tone.

be wary when

Emphasizes distrust or suspicion, suggesting potential danger.

proceed with caution when

More formal and deliberate, highlighting a planned action.

use caution when

Highlights the application of caution as a tool or method.

show caution when

Emphasizes the display of carefulness, indicating awareness.

mindful when

Implies being conscious and aware of potential risks.

be vigilant when

Highlights the need for watchful attention to prevent problems.

think twice when

Suggests careful consideration before acting, implying potential negative consequences.

look carefully when

Focuses on visual observation as a means of preventing issues.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "exercise caution when"?

Alternatives include "be careful when", "take care when", or "proceed with caution when", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What does "exercise caution when" mean?

It means to be careful and pay close attention to potential risks or dangers in a particular situation. It advises prudence and thoughtfulness before acting.

Is it better to say "exercise caution" or "use caution"?

Both are correct, but "exercise caution" is often considered more formal and emphasizes the active application of carefulness. "Use caution" is slightly more direct and simple.

When is it appropriate to use "exercise caution when" in writing?

Use it when you want to advise someone to be particularly careful or mindful of potential dangers or negative consequences associated with a specific activity or situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.