major caveat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major caveat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant limitation or warning regarding a statement or situation. Example: "While the new software has many benefits, there is a major caveat: it requires a high-speed internet connection to function properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plus one major caveat.

The Guardian - Travel

There is one major caveat: it's only accessible by mule.

The Guardian - Music

There is a major caveat for both plans.

The New York Times

Major caveat: This has only been done in mice.

The Washington Post

But there is one major caveat attached to Jisas, warns Connolly.

The Guardian - Money

Of course, a major caveat, Swanson adds: It all depends on how countries deal with them.

The Washington Post

One major caveat: these apps will not work without a Wi-Fi or 3G data connection.

The New York Times - Tech

There has always been one major caveat, however, to the research on the fade-out effect.

The New York Times

But there is one major caveat: do not use it in cash machines abroad as it will charge you 2.99%.

The Guardian - Money

One major caveat is that nations are not independent and that there might be population structures underlying the genetic data.

Nature

Hill said he understands and supports the White House's desire to launch a strike, but with a major caveat.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major caveat", clearly state the condition or limitation immediately following the phrase to ensure clarity. For instance, "The plan is promising, but a "major caveat" is the reliance on untested technology."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there is a "major caveat" without explaining what it is. This can leave the audience confused and diminish the impact of your warning. Instead, always follow the phrase with a detailed explanation of the specific limitation or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major caveat" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a significant condition, exception, or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms it signals a noteworthy factor that must be considered alongside the main point. It often serves to qualify or temper a previous statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major caveat" is a frequently used phrase that introduces a significant limitation or condition. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clearly articulate the specific caveat to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "significant limitation" or "important condition" can be used, but "major caveat" carries a specific weight, emphasizing the potential impact of the limitation. Remember to follow best practices by immediately clarifying the caveat, and avoid the common error of simply mentioning its existence without explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant limitation

Focuses on the restrictive aspect, highlighting that something is limited in scope or capability.

important condition

Emphasizes that something is dependent on a specific requirement that must be met.

key exception

Highlights that the statement is not generally true and that this exception is a noteworthy departure.

primary reservation

Focuses on doubt or hesitance about fully accepting something, indicating a significant concern.

critical consideration

Underscores the importance of thinking carefully about a particular factor or aspect.

notable constraint

Highlights a restriction or limitation that is particularly significant or worth mentioning.

chief drawback

Emphasizes the most significant disadvantage or negative aspect of something.

principal pitfall

Points out a major, often hidden, danger or difficulty that could lead to failure.

serious disadvantage

Highlights a significant negative aspect that could make something less appealing or effective.

main snag

Indicates a significant problem or unexpected difficulty that could impede progress.

FAQs

How can I use "major caveat" in a sentence?

Use "major caveat" to introduce a significant limitation or condition that applies to a statement or situation. For example: "The data shows improvement, but a "major caveat" is the small sample size."

What's a good alternative to "major caveat"?

You can use alternatives such as "significant limitation", "important condition", or "key exception" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "major caveat" or "important caveat"?

Both "major caveat" and "important caveat" are acceptable. "Major caveat" emphasizes the significance or severity of the limitation, while "important caveat" simply highlights its relevance.

What does "major caveat" imply in a formal context?

In formal contexts, "major caveat" indicates a critical condition or limitation that needs to be carefully considered. It's used to ensure transparency and acknowledge potential drawbacks or risks.