have caution

USAGE SUMMARY

'have caution' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to warn someone to be careful. For example: "As you prepare for your journey, have caution while driving in the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But have caution that if you continue to eat sweet things, regardless if they are artificially sweetened, you will continue to crave sweet food.

BBC

Dillon: No, it hasn't, and I think that the workplace is always a place that people have caution around what conversations they use, or have, what language are they going to use, what topics are they going to approach.

Forbes

But the findings of this analysis remind us to have caution; we should not assume durable virologic suppression after one year or even two years of virologic suppression, but carefully assess the likelihood of viral rebound.

AIDS and Behavior

Have caution with sewing needles.

WikiHow

Have caution while operating a blender.

WikiHow

Have caution with pages from books.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I have cautioned myself against that.

The New Yorker

Although earlier ads have cautioned, "Clinton?

The New York Times

Krugman, I and others have cautioned against austerity for years.

University of California, Berkeley

Many experts have cautioned investors not to panic.

The Washington Post

Analysts have cautioned that these steps need verification.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "have caution" with a clear explanation of why caution is needed to provide helpful context and prevent confusion or anxiety.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "have caution" can sound somewhat simplistic in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs like "exercise", "maintain", or "demonstrate" to convey a more sophisticated and authoritative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have caution" functions as an imperative, urging someone to be careful or mindful of potential dangers. This is supported by Ludwig which indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

30%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have caution" serves as a directive to be careful and mindful of potential risks. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. While grammatically sound, its register is generally neutral to informal, making it suitable for general instructions or guidelines but potentially less appropriate for formal or academic writing. More formal alternatives like "exercise caution" or "proceed with caution" may be preferred in such contexts. Predominantly found in Wiki, News & Media and Scientific sources, it is essential to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution

Replaces "have" with "exercise", providing a slightly more formal tone.

be careful

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the need for carefulness.

be cautious

Shifts from using "have" + noun to using "be" + adjective.

proceed with caution

Adds "proceed with" to emphasize the action being undertaken carefully.

take precautions

Focuses on taking specific actions to prevent negative outcomes.

heed the warning

Emphasizes paying attention to a specific warning that has been given.

remain vigilant

Suggests a state of constant watchfulness and preparedness.

mind yourself

A more idiomatic expression, particularly in British English, for being careful.

observe safety measures

Focuses on adhering to established safety procedures.

watch out

A very direct and immediate warning.

FAQs

How can I use "have caution" in a sentence?

You can use "have caution" to advise someone to be careful, for example: "When working with power tools, always "have caution"." It's a general way of suggesting awareness of potential risks.

What's a more formal way to say "have caution"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "exercise caution", or "proceed with caution". These options often sound more polished in professional or academic writing.

Is "have caution" the same as "be careful"?

While similar, "be careful" is a more direct and general warning. "Have caution" implies a more thoughtful and proactive approach to potential risks, suggesting one should be mindful of specific dangers.

What are some situations where I should "have caution"?

You might ""have caution"" when handling delicate equipment, navigating unfamiliar terrain, interacting with unpredictable individuals, or dealing with sensitive information. Any situation with potential for negative outcomes warrants careful consideration.