proceed carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceed carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to move forward with caution or to be mindful of potential risks in a situation. Example: "As you navigate through the construction site, please proceed carefully to avoid any accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So proceed carefully.

The New York Times

Even with these videos, proceed carefully.

The New York Times

Many people meet their partners at work - but proceed carefully.

Harvard Business Review

So I want to proceed carefully to cover more people.

The New York Times

"So [the investigating committee] has to proceed carefully".

The Guardian

Mary Creagh says we should proceed carefully with fracking.

The Guardian

I think that you're going to see Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House speaker, proceed carefully.

The New York Times

So if you love your job and don't want to leave, proceed carefully.

Harvard Business Review

For all of Himmler's zeal, however, the SS had to proceed carefully.

The New York Times - Books

You may persuade your husband that disclosure is in his interest, but if so, proceed carefully.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, the next round of online privacy regulation needs to proceed carefully, policy experts warn.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "proceed carefully" adds a layer of professionalism and awareness of potential consequences.

Common error

While "proceed carefully" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be careful" or "watch out" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceed carefully" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action should be performed. It advises caution, deliberation, and mindfulness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proceed carefully" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase advising caution and mindfulness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's particularly common in News & Media, Science, Wiki and Business contexts. While universally correct, it's advisable to consider the tone and choose simpler alternatives like "be careful" in casual settings. Alternatives such as "act with caution" or "move cautiously" provide nuanced variations. Remember, when facing potential risks, it's wise to proceed carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act with caution

Focuses more on the action itself being cautious.

move cautiously

Emphasizes the manner of movement, suggesting a slow and deliberate pace.

take precautions

Highlights the act of taking specific measures to avoid potential problems.

tread carefully

Implies navigating a delicate or risky situation with care.

be vigilant

Stresses the need for constant watchfulness and attentiveness.

exercise prudence

Emphasizes the use of good judgment and wisdom in decision-making.

mind the risks

Focuses specifically on being aware of and attentive to potential dangers.

handle with care

Suggests a delicate approach, often used when dealing with fragile or sensitive matters.

observe due diligence

Highlights the importance of thorough investigation and careful consideration before acting.

be circumspect

Focuses on being wary and unwilling to take risks.

FAQs

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

You can use "proceed carefully" to advise caution in various situations. For example: "As you start the new project, "proceed carefully" to avoid common mistakes."

What's a good alternative to "proceed carefully"?

Alternatives include "act with caution", "move cautiously", or "be vigilant", depending on the specific context.

Is "proceed carefully" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "proceed carefully" is perfectly acceptable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of professionalism and awareness of potential risks.

What situations warrant the advice to "proceed carefully"?

Any situation involving potential risks, delicate matters, or complex procedures could warrant advising someone to "proceed carefully". This includes financial decisions, interpersonal relationships, and technical projects.