exercise vigilance

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise vigilance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to caution someone to remain aware of a situation or to be alert for potential problems. For example, "The police have advised citizens to exercise vigilance when walking home late at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

18. Be careful on auction sites On these sites in particular, says Symantec's Sian John, exercise vigilance.

The Guardian - Tech

In March, the State Department encouraged citizens to "exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation".

The Guardian

Mr. Kanjilal said that tour operators always recommend that female travelers exercise vigilance and visit tourist spots within certain hours.

The New York Times

Likewise, it is the diocesan bishop's role to exercise vigilance with regard to the way in which Catholic associations perform the tasks they set for themselves".

The New York Times

It calls on all countries "to exercise vigilance" in entering into new trade commitments with Iran, including granting export credits, guarantees or insurance.

The Guardian

The council resolution requires countries to make their companies involved in Eritrean mining exercise "vigilance" to ensure that funds are not used to destabilize the region.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He added that he had "made arrangements" in case those "exercising vigilance get a break which we can exploit".

The Guardian

Instead of exercising vigilance against potential wrongdoing, employees – even those at senior level – are expected to maintain harmony and avoid gaining a reputation as a troublemaker.

The Guardian - Business

Mark Testoni, a national security and privacy expert who is chief executive of SAP National Security Services, said in an email that he recommended exercising "vigilance bordering on a little paranoia" in online posts.

The New York Times - Tech

Armstrong reported that "those concerned are exercising vigilance for any indications of movements of NUM staff to foreign destinations which might be for the purpose of collecting consignments of notes".

The Guardian

At a news conference in Dublin on Tuesday, the top Catholic official in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, welcomed the findings and repeated the church's plea for forgiveness from victims, saying, "Innocent young people were abused by clerics and religious to whose care they had been entrusted, while those who should have exercised vigilance often failed to do so effectively".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise vigilance", clearly specify the context or situation where vigilance is needed to provide actionable guidance.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise vigilance" without specifying what the reader should be vigilant about. Vague instructions are less helpful than specific guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise vigilance" functions as an imperative, often used to advise or instruct someone to be watchful and alert. As noted by Ludwig, it is commonly used to caution someone to remain aware of a situation or to be alert for potential problems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise vigilance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that advises caution and alertness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the situation or context where vigilance is required for clarity. Consider alternatives such as "maintain alertness" or "practice caution" for nuanced meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "exercise vigilance" to convey the importance of watchfulness and carefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practice caution

Stresses the importance of careful behavior and risk avoidance.

adopt a cautious approach

Emphasizes a deliberate and careful manner of proceeding.

maintain alertness

Focuses on the state of being alert, rather than the action of practicing vigilance.

remain attentive

Highlights the need to stay focused and responsive.

stay watchful

Emphasizes the act of watching and being observant.

be on your guard

Implies a state of readiness to defend against potential threats.

be observant

Highlights the quality of paying close attention to details.

pay close attention

Focuses on the act of giving careful consideration to something.

keep a sharp lookout

Suggests actively searching for potential threats or problems.

show prudence

Implies wisdom and carefulness in decision-making.

FAQs

What does "exercise vigilance" mean?

The phrase "exercise vigilance" means to be watchful, alert, and cautious, especially in anticipation of potential dangers or problems. It suggests maintaining a state of heightened awareness.

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

You can use "exercise vigilance" to advise someone to be careful and observant. For example, "Travelers should "exercise vigilance" in crowded areas" or "The company needs to "exercise vigilance" to prevent data breaches."

What are some alternatives to "exercise vigilance"?

Alternatives to "exercise vigilance" include "maintain alertness", "practice caution", or "stay watchful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exercise vigilance" or "be vigilant"?

"Exercise vigilance" implies an active effort to be watchful, while "be vigilant" simply describes a state of being. "Exercise vigilance" is often used when giving advice or instructions.