is wary of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is wary of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be cautious or hesitant about something. Example: The cat is wary of the new dog in the house, keeping a safe distance from it at all times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is wary of what comes next.

The New York Times

Washington is wary of South Korea's motives.

The New York Times

PROFESSOR CHERRY is wary of this vision.

The New York Times

Mr. Abbas also is wary of Washington.

The New York Times

Trump is wary of expertise.

The New Yorker

She is wary of suggesting any influences.

The Guardian - Books

She is wary of such generalisation.

The Guardian - Books

But Salewicz is wary of emphasizing this.

The New York Times - Books

Not everyone is wary of newcomers.

The New York Times

Ventilla is wary of the characterization.

The New Yorker

Little Richard is wary of photography.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is wary of", ensure the object of the preposition 'of' is clearly defined. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the statement. For instance, instead of saying 'He is wary', specify 'He is wary of new policies'.

Common error

Avoid using "is wary of" when a stronger emotion like fear or outright rejection is more appropriate. "Wary" suggests caution, not necessarily strong opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is wary of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject by expressing a state of caution or distrust. Ludwig's examples show it's used to describe someone's attitude towards a person, thing, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is wary of" effectively conveys a sense of caution or distrust, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express apprehension towards specific entities or situations. Alternatives include "is cautious of", "is distrustful of", and "is skeptical of", each subtly shifting the emphasis. When employing this phrase, precision is key: ensure the object of wariness is clearly defined. While generally neutral, "is wary of" should be replaced by more assertive vocabulary when stronger emotions are intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is cautious of

Expresses a similar sense of carefulness and avoidance of risk, but emphasizes prudence.

is distrustful of

Highlights a lack of trust or belief in something, suggesting skepticism.

is skeptical of

Implies doubt and a need for evidence before accepting something as true.

is apprehensive about

Focuses on anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

is hesitant about

Indicates reluctance or uncertainty in taking action.

is circumspect about

Suggests a need for careful consideration and awareness of potential risks.

is chary of

Implies a reluctance to take risks, often due to past experiences.

is suspicious of

Indicates a belief that something is not as it appears or that someone is dishonest.

is leery of

Conveys a sense of unease or distrust, often based on intuition.

is guarded about

Suggests a cautious and reserved approach, often to protect oneself or sensitive information.

FAQs

How can I use "is wary of" in a sentence?

You can use "is wary of" to describe someone's cautious or hesitant attitude towards something. For instance, "She "is wary of" making quick decisions without careful consideration."

What are some alternatives to "is wary of"?

Alternatives to "is wary of" include "is cautious of", "is distrustful of", or "is skeptical of", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "I'm wary to do something"?

No, the correct construction is "I am wary of doing something". The phrase requires the preposition "of" to connect the adjective "wary" with the action or object of concern.

What's the difference between "is wary of" and "is afraid of"?

"Is wary of" implies a reasoned caution or hesitation, often based on experience or potential risks. "Is afraid of" indicates a fear response, which may not necessarily be based on rational assessment. For example, someone "is wary of" a new investment due to market volatility, while someone "is afraid of" heights due to a phobia.