exercise extreme caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise extreme caution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to warn another person about something that could potentially be dangerous. For example, "When handling the chemicals, exercise extreme caution to avoid any accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise extreme caution at all times.

The New York Times - Travel

British citizens should exercise extreme caution and follow travel advice and media updates".

The Guardian

"As with any wild animal, you should always exercise extreme caution when approaching wild bears".

The New York Times

You need to exercise extreme caution, and not just when talking about them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

■ Exercise extreme caution on hills and in wooded areas, or on blind turns.

The New York Times

In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police.

The Guardian

The risks prompted the head of Japan's nuclear regulator, Shunichi Tanaka, to call on Tepco to exercise extreme caution.

The Guardian

"New Yorkers in these areas should exercise extreme caution, and stay off the roads until conditions are clearer and safer".

Independent

A "I would advise the writer to exercise extreme caution," said Douglas Wasser, a Manhattan real estate lawyer.

The New York Times

Flanagan said: "My department's travel advice for Tunisia, which was changed in the light of the attack, is to exercise extreme caution.

The Guardian

The UK Foreign Office advises against travel to some regions of Yemen, and warns western visitors to exercise extreme caution when travelling outside major cities.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise extreme caution", clearly state the specific context or situation that warrants the heightened level of care to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise extreme caution" in contexts where a simpler warning would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise extreme caution" functions as an imperative directive. It is used to strongly advise or warn someone to be very careful and vigilant due to potential risks or dangers. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise extreme caution" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as a strong warning to be highly careful due to potential dangers. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business settings. When crafting content, remember to provide a specific context for the caution and avoid overuse in low-risk situations. Consider related phrases such as "show extreme caution" or "take utmost care" for nuanced alternatives. Ultimately, Ludwig confirms that the phrase effectively communicates the need for heightened vigilance and safety measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Show extreme caution

Replaces "exercise" with "show", maintaining the core meaning of displaying a high level of care.

Use extreme caution

Substitutes "exercise" with "use", emphasizing the application of caution.

Practice extreme caution

Replaces "exercise" with "practice", highlighting the active implementation of caution.

Exercise great caution

Replaces "extreme" with "great", slightly softening the intensity of the caution.

Exercise excessive caution

Replaces "extreme" with "excessive", emphasizing a greater degree of care.

Exercise extreme care

Replaces "caution" with "care", offering a synonymous alternative.

Exercise considerable caution

Substitutes "extreme" with "considerable", indicating a significant level of caution.

Take utmost care

Replaces "exercise extreme caution" with a more concise expression indicating a high degree of care.

Be extremely careful

Shifts the phrasing to focus on the state of being careful rather than the action of exercising caution.

Proceed with maximum care

Replaces "exercise extreme caution" with an imperative form that emphasizes the action of moving forward carefully.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise extreme caution" to advise someone to be very careful in a potentially dangerous situation. For example: "When driving in icy conditions, "exercise extreme caution" to avoid accidents."

What are some alternatives to "exercise extreme caution"?

Alternatives include "show extreme caution", "use extreme caution", or "take utmost care", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "exercise extreme caution"? Can I just say "exercise caution"?

While "exercise caution" is acceptable, ""exercise extreme caution"" emphasizes a higher degree of care and is appropriate when the situation involves significant risk. The addition of "extreme" intensifies the warning.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use "exercise extreme caution"?

It's most appropriate to use ""exercise extreme caution"" when there is a high potential for serious harm or danger, such as handling hazardous materials, traveling to unsafe areas, or dealing with volatile situations.