proceed with caution when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceed with caution when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to be careful or to take care in a specific situation or context. Example: "You should proceed with caution when handling hazardous materials to ensure your safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A user should proceed with caution when using data from suspect (RELIABLE = 0) stations.

Columbia University

Still, it's best to proceed with caution when deciding whether to publicise your personal story.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The accuracy of the latter expression has not been determined, thus the user should proceed with caution when subtracting background from the raw data when using this statistic.

Harvard University

If you don't see much change and you continue to believe the behavior is affecting the work, proceed with caution when bringing it to the boss.

Harvard Business Review

Please note that images on all of them can be slightly not safe for work, so proceed with caution when browsing.

The New York Times

Mothers, for example, should proceed with caution when reading "The Break," about a woman whose connection with her son frays under the stress of her own loneliness.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Advertisers are proceeding with caution when it comes to Slate because the audience numbers remain relatively low.

The New York Times

Monday's practice is a good example of why the Capitals are proceeding with caution when it comes to any trade offers for Burakovsky.

The Washington Post

DealBook »   Spanish Politics Complicates European Plan  |  Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, is proceeding with caution when it comes to the European Central Bank's rescue plan, as he considers financial and political hurdles.

The New York Times

But I've proceeded with caution when cycling in NewYork City, because, despite progressive measures created by the Bloomberg administration to promote cycling and improve bicycle lanes, cycling here is still dangerous: New York roads are not built for cyclists and New York drivers don't know how to coexist with cyclists.

Huffington Post

The roads were never closed, but Police urged motorists to proceed with caution until noon when the road was clear once more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proceed with caution when", follow it with a specific condition or situation that warrants caution. This provides clear context and actionable advice.

Common error

Avoid using "proceed with caution when" in contexts where caution is always necessary or obviously implied. Instead, focus on specific situations or actions that warrant heightened awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceed with caution when" functions as an advisory expression, prompting careful consideration or action in specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this by presenting numerous examples across different contexts where caution is advised.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proceed with caution when" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advise careful action under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous real-world examples across diverse sources, including news, science, and academic publications. The phrase's purpose is primarily advisory, warning of potential risks. While adaptable to various registers, it maintains a neutral tone. To enhance clarity, follow the phrase with a specific condition warranting caution, and avoid using it in overly general contexts. Alternatives like "exercise vigilance when" or "be circumspect when" offer similar guidance. In summary, "proceed with caution when" is a versatile tool for conveying the need for careful deliberation in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise vigilance when

Emphasizes attentiveness and watchfulness in a situation.

be circumspect when

Highlights the need for prudence and careful consideration.

act with prudence when

Focuses on wise and careful decision-making.

be vigilant when

Stresses the importance of staying alert to potential dangers.

tread carefully when

Suggests a delicate and cautious approach.

be careful when

A more general term for avoiding potential harm or mistakes.

take precautions when

Highlights the need to take steps to prevent something bad from happening.

think twice when

Implies the need for thorough consideration before acting.

weigh your options when

Focuses on evaluating different choices before proceeding.

look before you leap when

Highlights the importance of assessing risks before acting.

FAQs

How can I use "proceed with caution when" in a sentence?

Use "proceed with caution when" to advise careful consideration before acting, such as, "You should proceed with caution when investing in new technologies."

What is a good alternative to "proceed with caution when"?

Alternatives include "exercise vigilance when" or "be circumspect when", which offer similar guidance with slightly different emphasis.

Is it correct to say "proceed with caution" without the "when" clause?

Yes, "proceed with caution" is a complete and grammatically correct phrase. Adding a "when" clause simply provides specific context for the caution.

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

Use "proceed with caution" when you want to advise someone to be careful due to potential risks or uncertainties in a particular situation. For example: "You should proceed with caution when dealing with sensitive data."