quite cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite cautious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very careful or wary in their actions or decisions. Example: "She was quite cautious when crossing the busy street, always looking both ways before stepping off the curb."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But he is personally quite cautious.

The Guardian

"People were quite cautious, nothing was crazy.

The Guardian - Arts

Shoppers interviewed last December sounded quite cautious about their spending.

The New York Times

That means you get quite cautious in the way you speak.

The New York Times

But I would be quite cautious about giving advice about diet".

The New York Times - Health

"We actually are quite cautious on the growth side," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The FOMC is cautious, and quite conservative when it comes to moving away from its overarching focus on price stability, but it is responsive.

The Economist

Goldman Sachs said Ford Motor provided guidance for the rest of 2004 that was "curious, cautious and perhaps quite conservative".

Forbes

"I'm quite a cautious person".

The New York Times

There's quite a cautious mood around.

The Guardian - Business

"I think there's going to be a lot more cocoa available in October and November than the market needs; manufacturers are being quite rightly cautious and holding onto stocks".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite cautious" to convey a sense of carefulness that is noticeable but not extreme. It suggests a balanced approach to risk assessment and decision-making.

Common error

While "quite cautious" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem hesitant. Instead, consider stronger synonyms like "prudent" or "circumspect" for a more authoritative voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite cautious" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun by indicating a noticeable degree of carefulness or wariness. As Ludwig AI states, it describes someone who is very careful. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in diverse contexts like describing shoppers' spending habits or a company's investment approach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite cautious" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a noticeable degree of carefulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While "quite cautious" is versatile, remember that it conveys a moderate rather than extreme level of wariness. For more formal or precise writing, consider synonyms like "prudent" or "circumspect". Using this phrase correctly enhances the clarity and accuracy of your writing, ensuring your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very prudent

Emphasizes wisdom and carefulness in practical matters.

somewhat careful

Indicates a moderate degree of attentiveness to avoid mistakes or danger.

reasonably careful

Indicates a balanced and sensible approach to safety and accuracy.

mildly wary

Suggests a slight level of distrust or watchfulness.

noticeably circumspect

Highlights the clear awareness and avoidance of potential risks.

fairly conservative

Implies adherence to traditional values and resistance to change.

demonstrably guarded

Points to a visible effort to protect oneself or one's interests.

slightly tentative

Expresses hesitation or uncertainty.

distinctly attentive

Highlights a noticeable focus on details and potential issues.

rather measured

Suggests careful and deliberate actions or words.

FAQs

How can I use "quite cautious" in a sentence?

The phrase "quite cautious" can be used to describe someone's behavior or approach, implying they are careful and wary. For example, "The company was "quite cautious" about investing in the new market."

What are some alternatives to "quite cautious"?

You can use alternatives like "very cautious", "fairly cautious", or "somewhat careful" depending on the context. Each alternative conveys a similar but slightly different degree of carefulness.

Is "quite cautious" a formal or informal phrase?

"Quite cautious" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is suitable for most writing contexts, but in very formal situations, more precise synonyms like "circumspect" or "prudent" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "quite cautious" and "extremely cautious"?

"Quite cautious" suggests a moderate level of carefulness, while "extremely cautious" implies a much higher degree of wariness and concern. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intensity of the caution you wish to convey. You can consider use "very cautious" as alternative.