move carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to proceed with caution or to be mindful of their actions in a particular situation. Example: "As you navigate the rocky terrain, please move carefully to avoid any injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Move carefully," he says.

The Washington Post

But it's important to move carefully.

The New York Times

This is the time to move carefully.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he is right to move carefully.

The Guardian

Do they want to move carefully?

Harvard Business Review

But Ahrendts will have to move carefully, he said.

The Guardian - Tech

"We are going to move carefully and cautiously".

The New York Times

But there were indications he will have to move carefully.

The Guardian - Business

The move carefully preserves the balance of French and German representation in the executive suite.

The New York Times

Elephants must learn to move carefully, for fear of causing damage in the neighbourhood.

The Economist

I move carefully on my rug, so as not to wake him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice in sensitive situations, use "move carefully" to encourage thoughtful and cautious action, emphasizing the potential consequences of rash decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "move carefully" in situations where a simple "be careful" suffices. Overusing it can make instructions sound overly formal or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move carefully" primarily functions as an imperative, offering guidance or advice. It combines the verb "move" with the adverb "carefully" to modify the action, emphasizing the manner in which it should be performed, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move carefully" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advise caution and thoughtfulness in a particular action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, it's important to consider its emphasis on deliberate action and avoid overusing it in simple instructions where "be careful" would suffice. Related phrases include "proceed with caution", "act cautiously" and "tread lightly". "Move carefully" is a versatile phrase that can be effectively used in various situations to encourage prudence and prevent potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed with caution

Emphasizes the act of advancing while being wary of potential dangers.

act cautiously

Focuses on the manner of acting, highlighting prudence and careful consideration.

tread lightly

Implies avoiding causing disturbance or offense, often in sensitive situations.

exercise prudence

Highlights the use of wisdom and good judgment to avoid risks.

be vigilant

Stresses the importance of being watchful and alert to potential problems.

take precautions

Suggests implementing measures to prevent harm or negative outcomes.

handle with care

Implies gentleness and attention to avoid damage, often in delicate situations.

mind your step

Directs attention to one's physical movements to avoid accidents.

watch your step

Similar to "mind your step", but can also imply being aware of potential social missteps.

be circumspect

Highlights the need for careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

FAQs

How can I use "move carefully" in a sentence?

You can use "move carefully" to advise someone to proceed with caution in a potentially risky or sensitive situation. For example, "As you negotiate this contract, "move carefully" to protect your interests".

What phrases can I use instead of "move carefully"?

Alternatives to "move carefully" include "proceed with caution", "act cautiously", or "tread lightly", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "move carefully" or "be careful"?

While both phrases advise caution, "move carefully" is more suitable when referring to a specific action or process that requires deliberate and thoughtful steps. "Be careful" is a more general warning.

When is it appropriate to use "move carefully"?

"Move carefully" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the need for prudence and attention to detail in a situation where mistakes could have significant consequences. It is suitable for both physical actions and strategic decisions.