most wary of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most wary of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a heightened level of caution or concern regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "She is most wary of making hasty decisions that could impact her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

What pitfalls should journalists be most wary of in reviewing new research?

The New York Times

Yemenis, Iraqis, Israelis and Tunisians are all most wary of their political parties.

The Economist

Japanese consumers have been the most wary of Mr. Abe's recovery pitch.

The New York Times

And it is that talent that one must be most wary of when it comes to Etonians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Older voters have also been most wary of the Democrats' messy, yearlong drive to overhaul health care - in part, as Republicans keep emphasizing, by curbing Medicare expenditures.

The New York Times

For international matches at the Rose Bowl they know how to produce a true, pacy pitch that encourages stroke-play from the most wary of batsmen.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Conservative radio, home to some of the most wary Romney skeptics like Mr. Limbaugh and Mark Levin, taps a particularly large pool of potential Republican voters.

The New York Times

Mr Gove, a favourite of the right, has been the most volubly wary of regulation.

The Economist

Most administrators, wary of bad press or an expensive suit, eliminate the speech codes.

The New York Times

Many like the idea of collecting better ownership information for law-enforcement, but most are wary of making the data public.

The Economist

Until then, the King's ministers and aides calculate that the war in Syria, like the turmoil in Egypt, will make most Jordanians wary of revolution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject being wary is clearly defined. For example, specify who is "most wary of" what and why for clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "wary" too frequently in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "cautious", "skeptical", or "apprehensive" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most wary of" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a heightened state of caution or distrust. As Ludwig shows, this usage is widespread across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most wary of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong sense of caution or distrust. Ludwig confirms its prevalent usage across various domains, with a notable concentration in news and media. While synonyms like "most cautious of" or "most apprehensive about" exist, "most wary of" carries a distinct nuance of anticipating potential risks. To enhance writing, ensure clarity in specifying the subject and object of wariness, and avoid overuse by incorporating synonymous alternatives. This exploration offers valuable insights for refining precision in expressing caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most cautious of

Emphasizes carefulness and prudence more directly than "wary".

most leery of

Implies suspicion and mistrust, adding a layer of skepticism.

most distrustful of

Directly conveys a lack of trust, focusing on disbelief or doubt.

most apprehensive about

Highlights anxiety and concern about a potential future event.

most skeptical of

Focuses on doubt and questioning of claims or assertions.

most suspicious of

Suggests a belief that something is wrong or dishonest.

most guarded about

Emphasizes the act of protecting oneself or information.

most circumspect about

Highlights careful consideration and avoidance of risks.

most hesitant about

Implies reluctance and a pause before acting.

most chary of

Suggests reluctance to give or expend something, often resources or trust.

FAQs

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

You can use "most wary of" to describe someone or something that is particularly cautious or distrustful. For example, "Investors are "most wary of" volatile markets".

What's the difference between "most wary of" and "most cautious of"?

"Most wary of" suggests a degree of suspicion or concern about potential danger, while "most cautious of" implies carefulness and prudence to avoid mistakes or harm. Though similar, "wary" emphasizes potential risks more strongly.

What can I say instead of "most wary of"?

Alternatives include "most cautious of", "most leery of", or "most apprehensive about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "wary about" or "wary of"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "wary of" is generally more common and idiomatic. "Wary about" might sound slightly less formal, but "wary of" is the preferred choice in most formal writing contexts.