read with caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "read with caution" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is used when someone wants to encourage another person to read a piece of writing with care and attention as it could contain information that could be hard to understand or have an unexpected outcome. For example, "Read this article with caution as it contains potentially sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

This book needs to be read with caution.

The New York Times - Books

Spoiler alert: this blog divulges plot details, so if you haven't watched it yet, read with caution Beyond satire.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is not a representative sample, meaning the results should be read with caution.

BBC

The two panels in Fig. 7 need to be read with caution as the MSPFs are not precisely comparable (see Appendix).

Crime Science

Thus philosophical opinions that were attributed to him in various writings that he left only in draft versions should be read with caution, because they were published posthumously by partisan proponents of Jansenism rather than their original author.

SEP

Therefore, even if results based on income tax statistics must be read with caution, especially in the case of countries with important levels of tax evasion, they can still be informative and remain a unique source to study the dynamics of income concentration during the first half of the twentieth century.

Latin American Economic Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Please continue reading with caution.

Huffington Post

He taught me to read with care and caution and to write with wit and intelligence.

TechCrunch

The results, however, should be read with some caution.

The Guardian

Zhou dynasty (c. 1046 256 bce) sources are more plentiful, but even these must at times be supplemented by writings of the Han period (206 bce–220 ce), which, however, must be read with great caution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These figures need to be read with extreme caution, but show a huge potential for asking questions about tasks, processes, efficiency and quality.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting potentially controversial or sensitive data, preface your presentation with "read with caution" to prepare your audience for the material.

Common error

Avoid using "read with caution" too frequently, as it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem overly alarmist. Reserve it for genuinely sensitive or complex information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "read with caution" primarily functions as an imperative, advising the reader to approach the material with a critical mindset. Ludwig shows it is often used before presenting potentially misleading information or sensitive topics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "read with caution" serves as a warning, prompting readers to approach material critically. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and is intended to prevent misinterpretations. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various domains including science, news, and encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, reserve it for instances where the information genuinely warrants careful consideration, such as potentially controversial or sensitive data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed with caution

Emphasizes taking action carefully, not just reading.

interpret with care

Focuses on the act of interpreting information thoughtfully.

approach with skepticism

Suggests a degree of doubt or questioning.

view with reservation

Implies a hesitant or qualified acceptance.

consider carefully

Highlights the need for thorough consideration.

take with a grain of salt

Advises not to believe something completely.

handle with care

Implies the need for gentle or sensitive treatment.

examine critically

Focuses on detailed analysis and evaluation.

regard warily

Suggests distrust and a need to be watchful.

use judiciously

Advises wise and careful application.

FAQs

What does "read with caution" mean?

The phrase "read with caution" means to approach a text with a critical and discerning mindset, recognizing that the information presented may be incomplete, biased, or potentially misleading.

When should I use the phrase "read with caution"?

Use "read with caution" when presenting data or information that could be easily misinterpreted, is based on limited evidence, or may evoke strong emotional responses. It's suitable for academic papers, news articles, or even personal blog posts.

What are some alternatives to "read with caution"?

Alternatives include phrases like "interpret with care", "approach with skepticism", or "consider carefully". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "read with caution"?

While generally appropriate, avoid using "read with caution" if it seems condescending or undermines the credibility of the information being presented. In some contexts, it may be better to directly address the limitations or potential biases instead.