mind carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mind carefully" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not commonly used and may confuse readers, as "mind" typically refers to being cautious or attentive, but it does not pair well with "carefully" in this context. Example: "Please mind carefully when crossing the street." (This usage is awkward and unclear.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The commerce secretary, however, said he kept an open mind, carefully studying the issue before coming to his decision.

The Washington Post

Mindfulness, that discerning capacity to be aware of what is happening from moment to moment, helps you guard your own mind, carefully choosing which thoughts you are letting influence your choices and life.

Huffington Post

It engages with an ethical and existential agenda (how should we live? when should we accept death?) and with that goal in mind, carefully distinguishes between whether to investigate, treat, or screen and how to do so.

British Medical Journal

In life, we miss a great deal of what happens simply because we never look closely enough Observe the mind carefully.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although the answer seemed to appear out of nowhere, the mind was carefully preparing itself for the breakthrough.

The New Yorker

"It is as if you have secretly stepped inside my mind and carefully paid attention to the details," one reader commented.

The New York Times

After calling evolution a controversial theory, the statement says, "Instructional material associated with controversy should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered".

The New York Times

Nintendo actually seems to have taken the user experience into mind more carefully; it employs a 3D slider, rather than an on-off toggle, for varying degrees of the 3D effect.

MIT Technology Review

The district, Cobb County, had already come under attack this summer for attaching disclaimers to all science textbooks, saying that evolution "is a theory, not a fact," and should be "approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered".

The New York Times

This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered". Pasted over the private parts of the naked Supreme Court justices on Page 99, such a tasteful advisory might have won over Wal-Mart, which has refused to sell the book in its stores.

The New York Times - Magazine

The board voted in September 2002 to apply stickers to 35,000 textbooks warning that "evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things" and that "this material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "mind carefully" in your writing. Opt for clearer and more common alternatives such as "be careful" or "pay attention" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Using "mind carefully" can sound unnatural and confusing to native English speakers. It's best to use established expressions for conveying caution and attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind carefully" attempts to function as an adverbial modifier, aiming to describe how someone should perform an action. However, its non-standard usage undermines its effectiveness. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is not common and lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "mind carefully" appears in a limited number of contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and awkward. It's best to opt for more standard alternatives like "be careful" or "pay attention" for clearer communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is not a standard English expression and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. Using clearer and more common alternatives ensures your message is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be careful

This is a more common and grammatically correct way to express caution.

pay attention

This phrase focuses on directing one's focus to something important.

take care

Implies caution and responsibility in one's actions.

be mindful

Suggests being aware and considerate of potential consequences.

exercise caution

A more formal way of advising careful behavior.

proceed with caution

Suggests a deliberate and careful approach to a situation.

watch out

A warning to be vigilant and avoid danger.

heed carefully

Emphasizes the importance of paying attention to advice or warnings.

observe closely

Focuses on careful and detailed observation.

handle with care

Implies a need for gentleness and attention to avoid damage.

FAQs

What does "mind carefully" mean?

The phrase "mind carefully" is not a standard English expression and is generally considered grammatically awkward. It attempts to combine the idea of being attentive ("mind") with thoroughness ("carefully"), but it doesn't form a natural or clear phrase.

How can I use "be careful" in a sentence?

You can use "be careful" as a warning or to advise caution. For example, "Be careful when crossing the street" or "Be careful with that vase; it's fragile."

What are some alternatives to "mind carefully"?

Better alternatives include phrases such as "pay attention", "be careful", "take care", or "be mindful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "mind carefully" grammatically correct?

No, "mind carefully" is not grammatically correct in standard English. While both words are valid individually, their combination is not idiomatic and sounds awkward.