should be wary of

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be wary of" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "You should be wary of people who try to sell you items on the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should be wary of platitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

We should be wary of defining things out of existence.

The New York Times

Women should be wary of the genre on a whole.

The New Yorker

"Investors should be wary of pitches promising I.P.O.

The New York Times

Managers should be wary of eliminating those, too.

The New Yorker

We should be wary of imposing too much civility.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Herrick said consumers should be wary of unknown sites.

The New York Times

But they should be wary of obliterating their pasts.

The New York Times - Arts

But perhaps we should be wary of mass conversions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be wary of", ensure the object of your caution is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "One should be wary", specify: "One should be wary of unsolicited advice."

Common error

Avoid using "should be wary of" when a milder suggestion is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "You should be wary of trying new foods", consider "You might want to try new foods in small portions first".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be wary of" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a recommendation or advice to exercise caution or vigilance. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in alerting individuals to potential risks or undesirable outcomes, as reinforced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be wary of" is a commonly used modal verb phrase that advises caution, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify the object of caution to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, remember to adjust the strength of your warning to suit the context, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "should be cautious of" and "should be mindful of" offer nuanced substitutes depending on the degree of caution you wish to convey. As Ludwig examples indicate, understanding the context ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be cautious of

Expresses a similar level of concern and suggests taking precautions. It emphasizes a careful approach to avoid potential danger or problems.

should be careful of

Indicates a need for attentiveness and care to prevent mistakes or accidents. The focus is more on avoiding errors through diligence.

should be mindful of

Highlights the importance of being aware and considerate of something, often in relation to its impact or consequences.

should be aware of

Focuses on having knowledge or understanding of something, typically to make informed decisions or take appropriate actions.

should be on guard against

Suggests a need to be vigilant and prepared to defend against potential threats or attacks.

should be alert to

Implies readiness to notice or respond to signs or signals of danger or opportunity.

should be suspicious of

Indicates a lack of trust and a tendency to question the motives or sincerity of someone or something.

should be skeptical of

Suggests a critical and questioning attitude, often in relation to claims or information that may not be reliable.

ought to be vigilant about

Emphasizes the duty and necessity to be watchful and attentive to potential risks or problems.

must be circumspect regarding

Indicates the need for prudence and careful consideration, especially to avoid embarrassment or offense.

FAQs

What does "should be wary of" mean?

The phrase "should be wary of" means to be cautious, careful, or on guard regarding something or someone. It suggests awareness of potential dangers or negative consequences. Essentially, it is a recommendation to proceed with caution.

How to use "should be wary of" in a sentence?

Use "should be wary of" to advise caution about a specific issue. For example, "Investors "should be wary of" get-rich-quick schemes" or "Travelers "should be wary of" sharing personal information on public Wi-Fi".

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

You can use alternatives like "should be cautious of", "should be careful of", or "should be mindful of" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "should be wary of" instead of "should be afraid of"?

"Should be wary of" implies caution and awareness of potential risks, while "should be afraid of" suggests fear or apprehension. Use ""should be wary of"" when advising caution due to potential dangers, and "should be afraid of" when the focus is on evoking a sense of fear.