need to be careful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be careful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to exercise caution or to be mindful of potential risks or consequences. Example: "When handling sharp objects, you need to be careful to avoid injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I need to be careful.

The New York Times - Sports

He wrote, "Need to be careful here".

The New Yorker

So we need to be careful".

The New York Times

However, campaigners need to be careful.

The New Yorker

You need to be careful at Peels.

The New York Times - Food

"We need to be careful," Mjallby continued.

Independent

But politicians still need to be careful.

The Economist

They need to be careful now.

The Guardian - Sport

But both parties need to be careful.

The New York Times

We need to be careful here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You need to be careful.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone about a specific situation, follow "need to be careful" with a clear explanation of the potential risks or consequences. For example: "You need to be careful when investing; research thoroughly before committing."

Common error

Avoid using "need to be careful" as a standalone statement without providing any context or explanation. This can leave the audience confused or unsure about what specific actions or situations require caution. Instead, always clarify the reason for the caution to make your advice more effective and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be careful" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the necessity for caution or prudence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its function is to advise or warn about potential risks or negative consequences, as shown by its use in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to be careful" is a common and correct English expression used to advise caution or prudence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is versatile, fitting into various contexts from News & Media to Science, and its meaning is consistently clear: urging vigilance to avoid potential risks. Alternatives like "must exercise caution" or "should be cautious" can be used for variety, but the core message remains the same. When using this phrase, providing specific context about the potential dangers enhances its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must exercise caution

Emphasizes the obligation to be careful.

should be cautious

Suggests a recommended approach to be careful.

have to be wary

Highlights the need to be on guard and watchful.

ought to take precautions

Focuses on proactive measures to ensure safety.

it's important to be vigilant

Emphasizes the importance of being attentive to potential dangers.

it's crucial to watch out

Highlights the critical need to be alert and observant.

it is advisable to be prudent

Suggests a wise and careful approach.

it's necessary to be circumspect

Implies the necessity of being cautious and considering all circumstances.

one must be on one's guard

Highlights the need to be prepared for potential threats.

prudence is required

Emphasizes that being careful is essential

FAQs

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

Use "need to be careful" to advise someone to exercise caution or be mindful of potential risks. For instance, "You "need to be careful" when crossing the street" or "Investors "need to be careful" ahead of earnings reports".

What are some alternatives to saying "need to be careful"?

You can use phrases like "must exercise caution", "should be cautious", or "have to be wary" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "need to be careful" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "need to be careful" in various contexts where caution is advised, such as providing safety instructions, offering investment advice, or discussing sensitive topics. It fits well in both formal and informal settings, depending on the surrounding language.

What's the difference between "need to be careful" and "must be careful"?

"Need to be careful" suggests a recommendation or advice, while "must be careful" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.