stand as a caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand as a caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as a warning or reminder to be careful about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The recent data breach should stand as a caution for all companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The finding stands as a caution to the millions of people who work in the service of organizations whose motives they mistrust, psychologists say: shifts in moral judgment are often unconscious, and can poison the best instincts and intentions.

The New York Times - Health

It stands as a caution that in times of international hostility and antagonisms our institutions, legislative, executive and judicial, must be prepared to exercise their authority to protect all citizens from the petty fears and prejudices that are so easily aroused".

The New York Times

In her later written ruling vacating Korematsu's conviction, Patel said in part: "[Korematsu] stands as a caution that in times of distress the shield of military necessity and national security must not be used to protect governmental actions from close scrutiny and accountability".

Los Angeles Times

Judge Patel observed that the Supreme Court's decision in Korematsu "stands as a constant caution that in times of war or declared military necessity our institutions must be vigilant in protecting constitutional guarantees".

Huffington Post

Stand as still as a statue.

WikiHow

In spite of those deficiencies, it could have at least stood as an ongoing caution against the pitfalls of the former system -- of security services operating with impunity, of politicians with autocratic pretensions.

Huffington Post

We took that in part as a caution.

The New York Times

So I take that as a caution.

Huffington Post

Stand as a lighthouse.

Forbes

Who can stand as a candidate?

BBC

However, the Savile catastrophe resulted from an item that wasn't broadcast (the earlier Newsnight investigation into his behaviour) and therefore stands as a rare editorial warning against caution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand as a caution" when you want to emphasize that a past event or current situation should serve as a warning to prevent similar negative outcomes in the future. Be specific about what the caution is meant to prevent.

Common error

Avoid using "stand as a caution" too frequently in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "serve as a warning" or "act as a reminder" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand as a caution" functions primarily as a commentary or evaluative statement. It suggests that something has happened or exists that should serve as a lesson or warning for future actions or considerations. It is used to frame experiences as having instructive value.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stand as a caution" is grammatically sound and serves to highlight potential dangers or pitfalls, encouraging preventative measures. While Ludwig AI does not offer many examples, it indicates that the phrase is correct to use. However, it's important to consider alternatives such as "serve as a warning" or "act as a reminder" to maintain variety in your writing. Overusing this phrase can lead to repetitiveness. When using "stand as a caution", be specific about what the caution is intended to prevent and consider the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a warning

This alternative directly implies that something acts as an alert to potential danger or negative consequences.

act as a reminder

Focuses on the function of prompting awareness or memory of something important.

serve as a deterrent

Highlights the aspect of discouraging or preventing undesirable actions.

be a lesson

Emphasizes the educational aspect, suggesting that something provides insight to avoid future mistakes.

offer a cautionary tale

Presents the idea that something serves as a narrative example of potential pitfalls.

give cause for concern

This highlights how something should create apprehension or worry.

raise a red flag

Suggests that something signals an alert or warning of a potential problem.

sound the alarm

Implies that a warning is urgent and needs immediate attention.

be a word to the wise

This shows how something is a gentle, insightful warning.

provide a wake-up call

This conveys how something serves as a jarring reminder of a serious issue.

FAQs

How can I use "stand as a caution" in a sentence?

Use "stand as a caution" to indicate that a specific event, situation, or piece of information should serve as a warning or reminder to be careful and avoid similar mistakes or dangers in the future. For example, "The company's past financial difficulties should "serve as a warning" to be cautious with future investments."

What are some alternatives to "stand as a caution"?

You can use alternatives such as ""serve as a warning"", ""act as a reminder"", or "be a lesson", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "stand as a caution" or "serve as a warning"?

Both "stand as a caution" and ""serve as a warning"" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The best choice depends on the context and your personal preference. "Serve as a warning" might be more common and widely understood.

Can "stand as a caution" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "stand as a caution" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences or avoiding potential risks. However, consider the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the document.