proceed with great caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceed with great caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be careful or to take their time before taking action, especially in potentially risky situations. Example: "Before making any investments in the stock market, it is wise to proceed with great caution to avoid significant losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I urge you to proceed with great caution".

The New York Times

In June the ministry warned potential investors to "proceed with great caution," according to bank documents.

The Washington Post

Faced with this challenge, Arista A&R staffers generally proceed with great caution.

The Guardian - Music

"We have to had have to proceed with great caution - you need stamina and low blood pressure to reform the lords," one ministerial source said.

The Guardian

Former Labour foreign secretary Jack Straw told the BBC that Mr Hague - who is expected to make a statement to Parliament on the crisis upon his return on Tuesday - was right to proceed with "great caution".

BBC

Because of this cultural and historical context, we need to proceed with great caution and respect.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Maliki rushed to execute Mr. Hussein despite warnings from some American officials that he should proceed with greater caution.

The New York Times

The state's Court of Appeals has overturned a number of recent cases involving homicide charges against drivers, leading prosecutors to proceed with greater caution when deciding whether to bring strong charges in vehicular cases.

The New York Times

"We are proceeding with great caution," he said, especially because of the way the drawings were presented.

The New York Times - Arts

We find in Snee v. Prescot [1 Atkyns 245] that Lord Hardwicke himself was proceeding with great caution, not establishing any general principle, but decreeing on all the circumstances of the case put together.

Harvard University

In light of the endogenous structure of China's housing, the article cautions against precipitous institutional intervention, and contends that formalization and titling should proceed with great care.

Cities

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. While suitable for formal and professional settings, it might sound overly cautious or stiff in casual conversation; adjust your language accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "proceed with great caution" in situations that don't warrant significant concern. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make you sound alarmist or overly anxious. Use milder phrases like "be mindful" or "take care" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceed with great caution" functions as an advisory phrase, typically used to warn or advise someone to act carefully and deliberately due to potential risks or dangers. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proceed with great caution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for advising careful and deliberate action, especially when potential risks are involved. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, scientific publications, and on wikis. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in trivial situations and to adapt the tone to suit the audience. Alternatives such as "tread carefully" or "act with extreme care" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English and warns against overuse, suggesting that it is critical to consider the specific nature of a situation before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act with extreme care

Emphasizes the level of care needed.

exercise considerable prudence

Highlights the importance of wisdom and careful judgment.

tread carefully

Suggests a cautious and delicate approach to avoid missteps.

be circumspect

Implies a need for wariness and awareness of potential consequences.

take heed

A more direct warning to pay close attention to potential dangers.

look before you leap

An idiomatic expression advising careful consideration before acting.

go slowly

Focuses on the pace of action, suggesting a deliberate and unhurried approach.

be vigilant

Stresses the need for constant watchfulness and alertness.

handle with kid gloves

Indicates a situation requiring delicate and gentle handling.

mind how you go

A colloquial expression advising someone to be careful and attentive.

FAQs

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

You can use "proceed with great caution" to advise someone to be careful and deliberate in a potentially risky situation. For example, "Given the market's volatility, investors should "proceed with great caution"".

What are some alternatives to "proceed with great caution"?

Alternatives to "proceed with great caution" include "tread carefully", "act with extreme care", or "exercise considerable prudence" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

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

"Proceed with great caution" is appropriate when there is a clear need for careful and deliberate action due to potential risks or negative consequences. This phrase is well-suited for professional, formal or serious situations.

Is there a difference between "proceed with great caution" and "proceed with caution"?

While both phrases advise careful action, "proceed with great caution" emphasizes a higher degree of wariness and deliberation. The addition of "great" intensifies the advice, suggesting a situation that requires particularly close attention and care. On the contrary, "proceed with caution" is slightly less intense.