go carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

"go carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to caution someone to pay attention to their actions and proceed cautiously. For example, "Please go carefully and don't take any unnecessary risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They will be fragile so go carefully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If he had the machine, Dr. Nagy said, he would go carefully through this list.

The New York Times

"But I also know I have to go carefully on the telephone because, well, it is a coffin.

The Guardian - Arts

"When he comes back, we will go carefully through the summer, pick his races, but hopefully he will end up in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Independent

Portion the sausagemeat into 15g balls, flatten into a circle with your palms, then wrap around each egg – the eggs are delicate, so go carefully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gratifyingly, I can't tell the difference once cooked – but I would second her caution to go carefully if you're using a food processor, and pulse it rather than switching it on full, or you'll end up with tiny, floury crumbs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Bobby went carefully up the stairs.

The New Yorker

The dog and she went carefully down the front steps scattered with wet leaves.

The New Yorker

He went carefully down the steps in front of the building and stood on the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

He went carefully down the cellar stairs, switched on the overhead light, and began searching among the spiderwebbed shadows and fouled fishing line for his shotgun.

The New Yorker

Visible brushstrokes in the paintings fascinate: whistle-while-you-work, perfunctory filling-in that goes carefully fussy at the edges of shapes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "go carefully", provide specific reasons for caution, such as potential dangers or sensitive situations. This gives the advice more weight and relevance.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, "go carefully" can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise language like "proceed with caution" or "exercise diligence" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go carefully" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to proceed with caution and attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to advise careful action. Examples show its use in various contexts from handling fragile items to navigating sensitive situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go carefully" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to advise caution. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English, recommending it as a direct way to urge someone to pay attention and avoid unnecessary risks. While the phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its tone leans neutral, making it suitable for a variety of situations. For more formal settings, alternatives like "proceed with caution" may be preferable. The best practice is to use "go carefully" when you wish to provide clear and specific guidance, ensuring the recipient understands the potential for mistakes or dangers. Remember that while the phrase is versatile, be mindful of the context and consider a more formal option when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed with caution

Replaces "go" with "proceed", which is more formal, and adds "with", creating a prepositional phrase.

tread carefully

Substitutes "go" with "tread", implying a more deliberate and cautious pace.

act cautiously

Replaces "go" with "act", focusing on the manner of acting.

be careful

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct imperative, omitting "go".

take precautions

Shifts the focus to preventative measures rather than the action itself.

mind how you go

A more idiomatic expression advising caution, particularly regarding actions or speech.

look before you leap

An idiomatic proverb advising careful consideration before taking action.

watch your step

Focuses on physical carefulness, especially when walking.

move deliberately

Emphasizes the intention and control behind each action.

handle with care

Advises caution when dealing with something delicate or sensitive.

FAQs

How can I use "go carefully" in a sentence?

You can use "go carefully" to advise someone to proceed with caution, paying close attention to their actions. For instance, "They will be fragile so "go carefully" when handling them."

What does "go carefully" mean?

"Go carefully" means to proceed with caution, taking care to avoid mistakes or dangers. It implies a need for attentiveness and deliberate action.

What are some alternatives to "go carefully"?

Alternatives to "go carefully" include "proceed with caution", "tread carefully", or "act cautiously", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "go carefully"?

While grammatically correct, "go carefully" might be too informal for certain professional contexts. In those situations, consider a more formal alternative like "proceed with caution".