please be careful

USAGE SUMMARY

'please be careful' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a polite way of warning someone to be cautious, especially in a potentially hazardous situation. Example: Please be careful when crossing the street; it's getting darker out and cars may not be able to see you.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bieber, please be careful.

The New York Times

Just please be careful driving.

The New York Times

But beyond that, we said please be careful.

The Guardian

Please, be careful and check the program on the Web site".

The New Yorker

People, if you are planning a career in politics, please be careful who you sue.

The New York Times

If using a saucepan, please be careful as the oil will be very hot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But until then, if you are taking advice about your debts, please be careful.

The Guardian - Money

If using a heavy-bottomed saucepan, please be careful as the oil will be very hot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So please, be careful.

TechCrunch

Please, please be careful.

Huffington Post

"Be careful, please be careful".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering the phrase "please be careful", specify the context or potential hazard to make the warning more effective and easier to follow. For example, "Please be careful; the stairs are slippery."

Common error

Avoid using "please be careful" as a generic farewell or platitude. Always ensure the phrase is relevant to a specific situation or potential risk to avoid diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please be careful" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite request or warning. It directly urges the listener to exercise caution in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

6%

Science

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please be careful" is a grammatically sound imperative phrase used to politely warn someone to exercise caution. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and broad applicability, as showcased across News & Media and Wiki sources. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, alternatives like "be cautious" or "exercise caution" might suit more formal contexts. Remember to offer specific context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication and avoid overusing it as a generic platitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cautious

Directly advises carefulness in actions or decisions.

watch out

An informal warning of immediate danger.

look out

Similar to 'watch out', warning of immediate potential danger.

take care

A general expression of concern for someone's well-being and safety.

stay safe

Similar to 'take care', focusing on maintaining safety.

exercise caution

More formal; advises a general approach of wariness rather than addressing an immediate situation.

mind yourself

An idiomatic expression meaning 'take care' or 'be careful'.

be vigilant

Emphasizes alertness and watchfulness against potential dangers.

be on your guard

Implies a need for heightened awareness and readiness against threats.

pay attention

Focuses on being alert and observant to avoid mistakes or accidents.

FAQs

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

You can use "please be careful" to advise someone to take precautions in a potentially dangerous situation. For example, "Please be careful driving in the snow" or "Please be careful when handling that hot pan".

What's the difference between "please be careful" and /s/please+be+cautious?

While both "please be careful" and "please be cautious" convey a similar message, "please be careful" is slightly more informal and direct, while "please be cautious" might be perceived as more formal and general.

What can I say instead of "please be careful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "watch out" for immediate danger, "take care" for general well-being, or "be vigilant" to emphasize alertness against potential threats.

Is it always appropriate to say "please be careful"?

While generally appropriate, consider the context. In highly formal settings or when addressing someone of significantly higher authority, a more nuanced expression of concern might be preferable to "please be careful".