take caution

USAGE SUMMARY

'take caution' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can generally use this phrase to advise someone to be careful when making a decision or proceeding with an action. For example, "Take caution when crossing the street - there is a lot of traffic today."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Take caution in your tone, Senator Collins.

The Guardian

Parents, take caution, but you wouldn't be derelict.

The New York Times

Parks officials warned New Yorkers to take caution anywhere there were snow-laden trees.

The New York Times

Take caution though.

Forbes

Investors should take caution though.

Forbes

Wall Street should take caution.

Huffington Post

Take caution before giving someone an animal this holiday season.

HuffPost

If they saw a stranger that they haven't seen before, they really take caution.

Huffington Post

Take caution and certainly don't make major financial decisions under stress.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

If we are wise, we learn to take caution with our assumptions.

Columbia University

Take caution with these easy-to-miss business mistakes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, follow "take caution" with a specific explanation of the potential risk or the action requiring careful consideration. For example, "Take caution when handling hot liquids to avoid burns."

Common error

Avoid using "take caution" in situations where the need for care is already implied by the verb. For instance, instead of saying "Take caution and be careful", simply use "be careful" to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take caution" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to be careful and attentive to potential dangers or risks. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts, from general warnings to specific situations requiring vigilance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

34%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take caution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative phrase that advises carefulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in a wide array of contexts, from WikiHow instructions to news reports, emphasizing its versatile nature. When using the phrase, ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of the potential hazard to provide effective guidance. While generally neutral, consider slightly more formal alternatives like "exercise caution" for professional settings. Remember to be vigilant and "be careful"!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "exercise", to convey a similar sense of carefulness and prudence.

be careful

A simpler and more direct way of advising someone to avoid potential harm or mistakes.

proceed with care

Suggests a gradual and deliberate approach, emphasizing attentiveness to potential issues.

be vigilant

Implies a need for heightened alertness and watchfulness against potential threats.

mind yourself

An informal expression, commonly used in British English, to wish someone well and advise them to be careful.

watch out

A more immediate and urgent warning to be aware of imminent danger.

be on the lookout

Focuses on actively searching for potential hazards or suspicious activity.

tread carefully

Suggests a delicate or sensitive situation where one should avoid causing offense or making mistakes.

look out

A common phrase used to warn someone of impending danger, similar to 'watch out'.

remain alert

Stresses the importance of staying aware and responsive to potential risks in the environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "take caution" to advise someone to be careful about something. For example, "Take caution when crossing the street" or "Take caution when investing money".

What are some alternatives to "take caution"?

Some alternatives include "be careful", "exercise caution", or "proceed with care". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "take caution" formal or informal?

"Take caution" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, alternatives like "exercise caution" may be more suitable for formal contexts.

When should I use "take caution" instead of "be careful"?

"Take caution" and "be careful" are often interchangeable. "Take caution" might be preferred when you want to emphasize a specific risk or potential danger, while "be careful" is a more general warning.