exercise due care

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise due care" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a responsibility to be extra careful in doing something. For example, "Drivers must exercise due care when passing through pedestrian crossings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

State law also requires that voters exercise due care and attention.

The Economist

Lynch pleaded guilty on a charge of failure to exercise due care; he also received the maximum $100 fine and $50 surcharge.

The New York Times

Mr. Degianni was issued two traffic summonses, one for failure to signal and another for failure to exercise due care, according to the police file.

The New York Times

The driver of the truck that killed Amar was issued two summonses, the police said: failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care.

The New York Times

Individuals who, in the eyes of the law, fail to act reasonably or to exercise due care may find themselves subject to large liability claims.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, Gibson's agreement to exercise "due care in determining whether prospective wood purchases are legal prior to purchase" should serve the environment, guitar enthusiasts, and the company's business and risk management plans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Somewhere along the way they haven't exercised due care.

The New York Times

Turn right and follow this path, exercising due care as you circumnavigate the headland.

The Guardian - Travel

A spokesman for the aggrieved prime minister quoted lawyers saying "that by publishing the article without exercising due care, Bloomberg and Patrick Smith had acted maliciously".

The New York Times

Four men could have walked, and would have walked, had the referee exercised due care and attention.

The New York Times - Sports

The plaintiffs' lawyers argued that the Army Corps had not exercised "due care" in its maintenance of the channel, and that the maintenance that was done, like dredging, only made things worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise due care", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area where caution and diligence are required. For example, "Engineers must exercise due care when designing bridges to ensure structural integrity."

Common error

Avoid using "exercise due care" without specifying the context. Saying "Always exercise due care" is vague. Instead, specify: "Inspectors should exercise due care when examining the equipment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise due care" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of being cautious and responsible. It aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of being correct and commonly used, emphasizing the need for careful action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise due care" is a correct and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of acting with caution, responsibility, and diligence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently found in news, legal documents, and safety guidelines. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear and specific. Alternatives like "show due care" or "use due care" can be used depending on the specific context. While the phrase is generally neutral, it leans towards professional when referring to specific legal or safety obligations. Avoid using it in overly general statements without clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use due care

Replaces "exercise" with "use", focusing on the application of care.

show due care

Substitutes "exercise" with "show", highlighting the demonstration of care.

take due care

Replaces "exercise" with "take", indicating the act of assuming responsibility for care.

employ due caution

Uses "caution" instead of "care", emphasizing vigilance and circumspection.

practice diligence

Focuses on consistent attentiveness and thoroughness.

act with prudence

Highlights the wisdom and carefulness in one's actions.

be vigilant

Emphasizes the need to be watchful and alert.

act responsibly

Focuses on behaving in a manner that is accountable and careful.

handle with care

Highlights the gentle and cautious handling of a situation or object.

mindful conduct

Implies behavior characterized by attention to detail and potential consequences.

FAQs

What does "exercise due care" mean?

To "exercise due care" means to be reasonably cautious and attentive to avoid causing harm or damage. It implies a responsibility to act prudently in a given situation.

How can I "exercise due care" in my daily life?

You can "exercise due care" by being mindful of your actions and their potential consequences, following safety guidelines, and taking precautions to prevent accidents. For example, drivers should "use due care" while driving.

What are some alternatives to "exercise due care"?

Some alternatives to "exercise due care" include "show due care", "use due care", or "practice diligence", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it especially important to "exercise due care"?

It is especially important to "exercise due care" in situations involving safety risks, legal obligations, or potential harm to others, such as in healthcare, construction, and financial management. Failure to do so may result in negligence.