much careful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much careful" is not correct in written English.
It is not a standard expression and does not convey a clear meaning in English. Example: "He was much careful while driving in the rain." (This sentence is incorrect.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

This took much careful planning.

Independent

This time, he gave the matter much careful consideration.

The New Yorker

It does not seem to have been subjected to much careful scrutiny or any costings.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Military aid is given out after much careful thought," one diplomat said.

The New York Times

Disrupting the terrorists is a painstaking process with much careful preparation, and then sudden rapid activity.

The Guardian

A more lasting reform of campaign financing is in order, but that will require bipartisan support and much careful thought.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I became a much more careful professor and, later, a much more careful parent.

The New York Times

They'll be much more careful about how they invest.

Cornell University

They should start by being much more careful about data.

The Economist

Others require much more careful application to keep out bubbles.

The New York Times

"You've got to be much more careful".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "much careful" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "very careful" or "extremely careful" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Don't use "much" as an intensifier directly before adjectives like "careful". "Much" is typically used with uncountable nouns or in comparative structures. For example, avoid saying "He was much careful". Instead, say "He was very careful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much careful" functions as an adjective phrase intended to describe a state of being cautious or attentive. However, as noted by Ludwig, this phrase is not grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "much careful" appears in various sources, including news and academic content, it is considered grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig. The intended meaning is to emphasize caution or diligence, but it's best practice to use alternatives like "very careful" or "extremely careful". Although relatively common in occurrence, especially in News & Media, adhering to standard grammar enhances clarity and credibility. Therefore, avoid "much careful" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very careful

Emphasizes the high degree of care taken, using a more standard and grammatically correct construction.

extremely careful

Strengthens the intensity of care taken, providing a more emphatic and grammatically sound alternative.

highly cautious

Highlights the prudence and wariness involved, offering a slightly more formal tone.

thoroughly meticulous

Focuses on the detail-oriented aspect of care, suggesting a comprehensive approach.

especially diligent

Emphasizes the consistent and attentive effort put forth, indicating a strong work ethic.

remarkably prudent

Highlights the wisdom and foresight involved in being careful, adding a layer of sophistication.

exceptionally attentive

Focuses on the high level of awareness and responsiveness, indicating a keen eye for detail.

particularly watchful

Emphasizes the vigilance and alertness in monitoring something, suggesting a proactive approach.

genuinely conscientious

Highlights the deep-seated sense of responsibility and care, indicating a strong moral compass.

considerably circumspect

Emphasizes caution and reluctance to take risks, suggesting a thoughtful and measured approach.

FAQs

Is "much careful" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "much careful" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct phrasing would be "very careful" or "extremely careful".

What are some alternatives to "much careful"?

You can use alternatives such as "very careful", "extremely careful", or "highly cautious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "much careful" or "very careful"?

"Very careful" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Much careful" is considered an incorrect usage in standard English.

When is it appropriate to use "very careful" instead of "much careful"?

Always use "very careful". The phrase "much careful" is not considered standard English and should be avoided in both formal and informal contexts.