serious caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious caution" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when emphasizing the need for careful consideration or warning in a situation. Example: "The researchers advised serious caution when interpreting the results." Alternative expressions include "great caution" and "extreme caution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The trope of the struggling artist is nothing new, but the real-life financial and mental health implications of entering into such a field are surely cause for serious caution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Miss Ford prefers to focus on the question of joint bank accounts (approach them "with serious caution") and allowances for the spouse who doesn't work (preferable to begging for pocket money).

The New Yorker

Still, serious caution is in order in the real estate slump of 1990, Hovnanian's price-to-book ratio dropped as far as 0.3.

Forbes

Nonetheless, our data suggest that serious caution is warranted with this approach.

Human Molecular Genetics

Since PCR template cloning and sequencing is widely used in identification of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), our data indicate that a serious caution should be taken in finding of true SNPs in various genetic studies.

Cell and Bioscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The case for day-to-day fact-checking is compelling, but I would raise serious cautions.

The New York Times

Consular Information Sheets offer serious cautions about so many relatively peaceful countries, from Greece to Vietnam, that they can lose their impact.

The New York Times

"While we do not necessarily believe recent softness signals the start of something more serious, our caution level has increased".

Los Angeles Times

The question voters would ask is "Are You Serious?" he cautioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

And there's a more serious note of caution to be made here, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Marx stated that: "it represents a heretofore unrecognized and unreported serious adverse affect; caution should be used when prescribing these drugs" (Marx 2003).

Evidence-Based Endodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to exercise "serious caution", clearly articulate the specific risks involved to ensure they understand the potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "serious caution" as a generic warning. Always provide context or specific reasons why caution is necessary to make the advice meaningful and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious caution" functions primarily as a directive or advisory expression. It serves to strongly recommend a careful and considered approach to a situation due to potential risks or negative consequences. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in contexts ranging from financial decisions to medical treatments, highlighting its role in emphasizing the importance of being vigilant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Serious caution" is an advisory phrase used to strongly recommend careful consideration due to potential risks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While not exceedingly common, its use underscores the gravity of a situation, urging vigilance. Related phrases, such as "great care" and "extreme prudence", offer similar nuances. The most effective use of "serious caution" involves providing specific context to avoid vagueness, ensuring the advice is both meaningful and actionable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great care

Replaces "caution" with "care", softening the tone slightly.

extreme prudence

Substitutes both words with stronger synonyms, amplifying the intensity.

utmost vigilance

Replaces the phrase with a focus on alertness and watchfulness.

grave reservations

Shifts focus to underlying doubts rather than the act of being cautious.

deep concern

Highlights the worry associated with a situation, downplaying preventive action.

heightened awareness

Emphasizes attentiveness to detail rather than proactive cautiousness.

strict attentiveness

Focuses on careful attention, implying but not explicitly stating caution.

intensive scrutiny

Highlights examination and investigation rather than avoidance of risk.

close observation

Emphasizes watching closely, but not necessarily acting cautiously.

careful deliberation

Focuses on thoughtful consideration before action, but not explicitly on risk aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "serious caution" in a sentence?

You can use "serious caution" to advise careful consideration of risks, such as, "The doctor advised "serious caution" before undergoing the experimental treatment." or "Serious caution is warranted when investing in volatile markets."

What phrases are similar to "serious caution"?

Alternatives to "serious caution" include "great care", "extreme prudence", or "utmost vigilance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "serious caution"?

While caution inherently implies a degree of seriousness, using "serious caution" emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the significant potential risks involved. It is not necessarily redundant if used to underscore the importance of being careful.

What's the difference between "serious caution" and "considerable caution"?

"Serious caution" highlights the potential for severe consequences if caution is not exercised. "Considerable caution" simply suggests a significant degree of carefulness without necessarily implying the same level of potential severity.