proceed with care

USAGE SUMMARY

"proceed with care" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to caution someone to be particularly mindful of the consequences of their actions. For example, you could say, "Given the complex nature of this project, I advise you to proceed with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Democrats should proceed with care.

The Washington Post

The state should proceed with care.

The New York Times

If the latter, Boris should perhaps proceed with care.

The Guardian

So, we need to proceed with care in the context of such ambiguous usage.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

But the house is much admired - and so you proceed with care".

The Guardian

But domestic pressure is growing on the Chinese government to proceed with care.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Providers were asked how each patient in our series would have been approached if the ESM-Ketamine package had not been available, as well as how the provider might proceed with caring for a similar patient in the future.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

We proceeded with care, with full debate in this House and when we took military action, did so as a last resort.

The Guardian

Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA underlines the honesty and sincerity of our nuclear programme, our commitment to proceeding with care, and respect for international rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

The close intertwining of drug-control efforts with the army's war against the guerrillas means that unless Washington proceeds with care, it could find American prestige and even American support troops at risk in a prolonged and open-ended military entanglement.

The New York Times

So government officials are proceeding with care, seeking to learn as much as possible about the enigmatic invertebrates before making decisions and they are asking researchers like West Liberty University's Zachary Loughman for help.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proceed with care", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific risks or challenges warrant the caution. Provide context to clarify the reason for careful action.

Common error

Avoid using "proceed with care" as a generic filler phrase. Ensure the situation genuinely requires a heightened level of caution; otherwise, it may sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceed with care" functions as an advisory expression, urging caution in a particular course of action. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from political strategy to scientific research, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proceed with care" is a common and grammatically correct advisory expression used to urge caution in the face of potential risks. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for a wide range of situations, from political strategy to scientific research. It maintains a neutral to formal register and is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Related phrases like "exercise caution" and "tread carefully" offer similar nuances. To use this phrase effectively, always ensure the context clearly explains the specific risks warranting caution, and avoid overuse in situations where the caution is not genuinely needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution

This alternative directly emphasizes the act of being careful.

be careful

A more direct and simple way of expressing caution.

tread carefully

Suggests a need to be wary of potential problems or obstacles.

act prudently

Focuses on wisdom and good judgment in one's actions.

mind how you go

An idiomatic expression, mostly British, advising caution.

watch your step

Implies being cautious of potential physical or metaphorical missteps.

be vigilant

Emphasizes being watchful and alert to potential dangers.

take precautions

Highlights the need to prepare for potential problems.

handle with kid gloves

Suggests dealing with something or someone very gently and carefully.

err on the side of caution

Advocates choosing the safer option when uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "proceed with care" in a sentence?

Use "proceed with care" to advise caution when facing potential risks or sensitive situations. For example: "Given the market's volatility, investors should "proceed with care"".

What does "proceed with care" mean?

"Proceed with care" means to act cautiously and attentively, acknowledging potential risks or difficulties. It's a recommendation to avoid haste and consider potential consequences.

What's a more formal way to say "proceed with care"?

More formal alternatives to "proceed with care" include "exercise caution" or "act prudently". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "proceed with care"?

It's appropriate to use "proceed with care" when there are known or suspected risks, complexities, or sensitivities involved in a situation, requiring careful consideration and measured actions. Using it without context can be misleading.