retain caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to maintain a careful or wary attitude in a particular situation. Example: "As we approach the construction site, please retain caution and watch for any potential hazards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We continue to retain caution pending the restructuring of the new company expected later this year, which we see as value accretive but challenging and risky to the balance sheet.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Considering that large one-time gain and the bank's need to reduce leverage, he said, "we suspect the market will retain some caution".

The New York Times

These patients tend to retain fluids; therefore, caution should be exercised during volume resuscitation in these patient groups.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Peter Sands, chief executive, said: "Our markets are returning to growth as economic conditions improve, although it is still too early to forecast a sustained recovery and we therefore retain a degree of caution as to the macro economic outlook".

The Guardian - Business

Clinicians make decisions based on a combination of current clinical risk and future risk rather than static historical predictors of risk, but retain a significant degree of caution based on the seriousness of the risk.

BMC Psychiatry

Shortly after noon inside the Capitol's Senate chamber, Gov. Rick Perry told senators that the comptroller's revenue estimate released the day before was good news, but cautioned them to retain the state's fiscally conservative model.

The New York Times

Mr. Greenspan's testimony appeared to balance optimism about the economy's resilience and underlying strength with a central banker's typical caution and a desire to retain as much policy flexibility as possible.

The New York Times

But he and other experts caution that while the immortal cells retain growth controls in culture, they may still be predisposed to cancer in humans.

Science Magazine

We decided to retain this microarray, but treat conclusions about this gene with caution.

BMC Genomics

If you want your honey to retain the benefits of "raw" honey, use the microwave with caution.

WikiHow

Therefore, although defence forces around the world are likely to retain BMI as a screening tool, BMI should be interpreted with caution.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks or uncertainties, use "retain caution" to advise maintaining a watchful and careful perspective. For example: "Despite the positive initial results, it's crucial to "retain caution" when interpreting the long-term effects."

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "retain caution" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "be careful" or "stay alert" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain caution" functions primarily as a directive, advising the audience to maintain a state of vigilance and careful consideration. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct, supporting its role in providing guidance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain caution" is a grammatically sound phrase that advises maintaining vigilance and careful consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, its correct usage and availability in reputable sources supports its use in formal communication. While "retain caution" is primarily directive, its appearance is relatively rare, more frequent in news, media and scientific contexts and less common in other contexts. For alternatives, consider "exercise caution" or "remain prudent" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution

Emphasizes the active application of careful judgment to avoid potential dangers.

maintain vigilance

Highlights the importance of continuous and alert watchfulness.

remain prudent

Focuses on maintaining a wise and careful approach in decision-making.

act with prudence

Similar to 'remain prudent', emphasizing wise action.

stay circumspect

Implies being wary and unwilling to take risks.

adopt a cautious approach

Highlights the adoption of a general careful strategy.

keep a watchful eye

Suggests close observation to detect any signs of trouble.

be on guard

Highlights the readiness to defend against potential threats.

proceed carefully

Stresses the importance of taking deliberate and cautious steps.

be mindful

Focuses on being conscious and aware of potential risks.

FAQs

What does "retain caution" mean?

"Retain caution" means to continue being careful, vigilant, and aware of potential dangers or risks in a particular situation.

When is it appropriate to use "retain caution" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "retain caution" when advising someone to maintain a careful or wary attitude, especially when discussing potential risks or uncertainties. You can use alternatives like "exercise caution" or "maintain vigilance".

What are some alternative phrases to "retain caution"?

Some alternative phrases to "retain caution" include "be mindful", "remain prudent", and "stay circumspect", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "retain caution" formal or informal?

"Retain caution" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, phrases like "be careful" or "stay alert" might be more suitable.