sake of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sake of caution' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to take a precautionary measure or to act cautiously. Example sentence: I took the sake of caution and crossed the street at the crosswalk.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Because there's an even greater mistake at the other extreme, when Christians, for the sake of caution or in the pursuit of respectability, totally disregard their prophetic vocation.

Huffington Post

Also, for the sake of caution, we only claim that our model addresses "a number of significant criticisms", rather than "all", criticisms against the Hull's theory.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Always err on the side of caution.

Huffington Post

Err on the side of caution.

Huffington Post

When Hough reaches a high B, he slows for a moment, as a soprano would, for the sake of both expressivity and caution.

The New Yorker

He said that he did not expect firms to do deals simply "for the sake of it," but he also cautioned that the firms were "under a lot of pressure".

The New York Times

A note of caution.

The Guardian

A bit of caution, however.

The New York Times - Books

A note of caution, though.

The New Yorker

One word of caution here.

The New York Times

Two notes of caution, though.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sake of caution", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential danger or negative outcome is being avoided. Provide enough information to justify the cautious approach.

Common error

Avoid using "sake of caution" in very informal or casual situations. Simpler phrases like "just to be safe" or "to play it safe" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sake of caution" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, providing the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that something is done as a precautionary measure to avoid potential risks or negative outcomes, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sake of caution" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that an action is taken as a precautionary measure. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is accurate and applicable in written English, typically implying the need to avoid potential risks. While not exceptionally common, it finds its place in contexts such as news reporting and scientific discussions. Though versatile, "sake of caution" is most effective when the context offers clarity regarding the avoided risk or negative outcome. For more casual situations, alternatives like "just to be safe" may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for safety's sake

Similar to "sake of caution" but emphasizes safety.

for prudence's sake

Uses a possessive structure, focusing on prudence as the reason.

out of prudence

Emphasizes prudence as the driving force.

as a precaution

Highlights the action being a preventive measure.

to be on the safe side

An idiomatic expression indicating a desire to avoid risk.

in the interest of safety

Focuses on safety as the primary concern.

with circumspection

Highlights careful and watchful consideration.

exercising foresight

Implies planning to avoid future problems.

taking a precautionary approach

Highlights a deliberate strategy of caution.

to err on the side of safety

Expresses a preference for excessive caution.

FAQs

How can I use "sake of caution" in a sentence?

You can use "sake of caution" to indicate that an action is taken as a preventive measure, for example, "For the "sake of caution", we decided to postpone the event".

What phrases are similar to "sake of caution"?

Similar phrases include "for safety's sake", "as a precaution", or "to be on the safe side".

Is it better to say "for safety's sake" or "sake of caution"?

Both "sake of caution" and "for safety's sake" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Sake of caution" may imply a broader range of potential issues, while "for safety's sake" specifically emphasizes physical safety.

In what situations is "sake of caution" most appropriate?

"Sake of caution" is best used in situations where there is a perceived risk or uncertainty, and a deliberate action is taken to minimize potential negative consequences. It fits well in formal or professional contexts.