should be vigilant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be vigilant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to remain alert and watchful, especially in situations that require caution or awareness. Example: "In times of uncertainty, everyone should be vigilant about their surroundings and the information they receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should be vigilant and creative.

The New York Times

But shareholders should be vigilant for accounting gimmicks regardless.

The New York Times

You should be vigilant at this time," the statement said.

The Guardian

Visitors should be vigilant and stay up to date about potentially risky situations.

Columbia University

We should be vigilant but I don't see a cause for panic yet".

The Guardian

You should be vigilant after recent attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso.

The Guardian

Parents should be vigilant against attempts at mind control, Palin said.

The Guardian

"Yes we should be vigilant, and in a free society you can never have 100% security.

The Guardian

But parents should be vigilant in monitoring what their child posts.

The New York Times - Style

As a result, the statistician should be vigilant in using filtering models for the analysis of heteroscedastic regressions.

Statistics & Probability Letters

To avert the cycle of doubt, project leaders should be vigilant to the presence of these triggers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be vigilant", clearly specify what the subject needs to be vigilant about to provide actionable guidance. For example, instead of just saying "Consumers should be vigilant", specify "Consumers should be vigilant about phishing emails".

Common error

Avoid using "should be vigilant" in situations that require only basic awareness. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly cautious or alarmist. In many cases, simpler alternatives like "should be aware" or "should pay attention" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be vigilant" functions as a directive, advising or recommending a state of alertness and watchfulness. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be vigilant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises watchfulness and alertness. According to Ludwig, it is indeed a correct and usable phrase. It appears most commonly in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While highly versatile, it's best practice to clarify the object of vigilance to enhance its practical application. Overuse in situations needing only basic awareness should be avoided. Alternatives like "must remain alert" or "need to exercise caution" may suit other needs and situations. Considering these factors will allow to use the expression "should be vigilant" in a correct way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must remain alert

Emphasizes the necessity of staying alert.

ought to stay watchful

Suggests a moral obligation to watchfulness.

need to exercise caution

Highlights the importance of careful behavior.

have to stay aware

Focuses on maintaining awareness of surroundings.

should keep a close watch

Emphasizes continuous monitoring.

must be on the lookout

Highlights the need to actively search for potential threats.

need to be observant

Highlights the importance of paying close attention to details.

ought to pay attention

Suggests a duty to give attention.

have to be attentive

Focuses on being responsive and alert.

should be on guard

Emphasizes readiness to defend against potential threats.

FAQs

How can I use "should be vigilant" in a sentence?

You can use "should be vigilant" to advise someone to be alert and watchful, especially concerning potential dangers or problems. For example, "Travelers "should be vigilant" about their belongings in crowded areas".

What can I say instead of "should be vigilant"?

You can use alternatives like "must remain alert", "ought to stay watchful", or "need to exercise caution" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "should be vigilant" and "should be careful"?

While both phrases advise caution, "should be vigilant" implies a more active and sustained alertness to potential threats, whereas "should be careful" suggests a more general need for caution to avoid mistakes or accidents. So it's like "must remain alert" versus "ought to stay watchful".

When is it appropriate to use "should be vigilant" instead of "should be aware"?

"Should be vigilant" is most appropriate when there is a specific, identifiable threat or risk that requires focused attention. "Should be aware" is more suitable for general awareness of surroundings or information without necessarily implying immediate danger.