should be wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be wary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to be cautious or alert about a particular situation or potential danger. Example: "When dealing with unfamiliar technology, you should be wary of potential security risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Yet they should be wary.

The Guardian - Business

The regulators should be wary.

The New York Times

But investors should be wary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vietnamese regulators should be wary, too.

The New York Times

The Rest of Us Should Be Wary.

The New York Times

We should be wary, not pleased.

The Guardian

We should be wary of platitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Of course, you should be wary.

The Guardian

You should be wary of using a public copier.

The New York Times

We should be wary of descriptions that are really predictions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some worker advocates say job-seekers should be wary.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be wary", clearly state the specific reason for caution to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "Investors should be wary", specify "Investors should be wary of companies with no proven track record."

Common error

Avoid using "should be wary" without a clear object or context. A vague warning can be confusing and unhelpful. Instead of saying "One should be wary", clarify "One should be wary of relying solely on anecdotal evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be wary" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advice or warning. It indicates that someone ought to be cautious or suspicious about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be wary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises caution or vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly found in news, academic, and professional contexts to alert audiences to potential risks or dangers. While alternatives like "should be cautious" or "should be vigilant" exist, "should be wary" carries a specific connotation of suspicion or potential threat. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide clear context and specify the reason for caution to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be cautious

Emphasizes the need for careful consideration and prudence.

should be vigilant

Highlights the importance of being constantly alert to potential dangers or problems.

should be circumspect

Suggests a need for careful consideration of all circumstances and potential consequences.

should be on guard

Implies a state of readiness to defend against potential threats.

should be careful

A general term indicating the need to avoid potential harm or mistakes.

need to be cautious

Highlights necessity of acting with care and foresight.

ought to be careful

Implies a moral obligation to exercise caution.

must be vigilant

Stresses the critical importance of maintaining vigilance.

need to be alert

Focuses on the importance of being attentive and responsive to potential risks.

should be mindful

Highlights the importance of being aware and considerate of potential implications.

FAQs

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

Use "should be wary" to advise caution or vigilance in a particular situation. For example, "Consumers "should be wary" of unsolicited offers of help" or "The British government "should be wary" to avoid such uncertainty".

What are some alternatives to "should be wary"?

Alternatives include "should be cautious", "should be vigilant", or "should be careful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of caution.

Is it better to say "should be wary" or "should be cautious"?

Both "should be wary" and "should be cautious" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Should be wary" often implies a sense of suspicion or potential danger, while "should be cautious" suggests a more general need for careful consideration.

In what contexts is "should be wary" most appropriate?

"Should be wary" is appropriate in contexts where there is a potential for deception, danger, or negative consequences. It's commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to advise readers to exercise caution. For instance, it's useful when warning about financial risks or potential scams.