take extra care

USAGE SUMMARY

'take extra care' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are giving advice or instructions to someone who is doing something that requires particular attention. For example, "When handling this material, take extra care to ensure you don't make any mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally take extra care with your equipment on the sand.

The New York Times

Every typesetter knew to take extra care that week.

The New York Times

We really take extra care in not wasting anything".

The New York Times

The UK Foreign Office said people should "monitor media and take extra care" after the explosion.

The Guardian

At these times, cat owners were known to take extra care of their pets.

The Guardian

He warned drivers to take extra care and to check travel advice before setting out.

Independent

British citizens "should continue to take extra care if travelling away from their homes or hotels".

Independent

"Because we have so much to protect we need to take extra care," she said.

The New York Times - Science

Meanwhile "Rubberneck" might make you take extra care in your choice of office-fling partners.

The New York Times

"They're only dish towels, but they take extra care," he said.

The New York Times - Food

The lesson, she said, is that "on a story like this, we should take extra care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a task where errors could have significant consequences, use "take extra care" to clearly communicate the need for heightened attention.

Common error

While "take extra care" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "be especially careful" or "proceed with caution" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take extra care" functions as an imperative, providing a directive or instruction. It emphasizes the importance of being particularly cautious or attentive in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

43%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take extra care" is a common and grammatically sound imperative used to advise caution. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides numerous real-world examples. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media and in instructional content. While highly versatile, writers should remember to use it thoughtfully and consider synonyms to avoid repetition. Remember to "be especially careful" when needed, and "proceed with caution" when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be especially careful

Emphasizes a higher degree of carefulness.

be extra cautious

Similar to "be especially careful", but with a focus on avoiding risks.

exercise increased caution

Focuses on the active application of caution.

pay close attention

Highlights the importance of attentiveness.

proceed with caution

Advises a careful and deliberate approach.

be particularly vigilant

Stresses watchfulness and alertness.

handle with added precaution

Focuses on the precautions taken during handling.

be on your guard

Highlights the need to be prepared for potential threats.

mind your step

Informal way to warn about potential hazards.

look alive

Suggests being alert and active to avoid mistakes or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "take extra care" in a sentence?

You can use "take extra care" when advising someone to be particularly cautious or attentive. For example, "When handling fragile items, "take extra care" not to drop them."

What are some alternatives to "take extra care"?

Alternatives include "be especially careful", "proceed with caution", or "pay close attention", depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "take extra care"?

While generally appropriate, using "take extra care" might be seen as condescending in situations where the need for caution is already obvious. In such cases, a more subtle suggestion might be preferable.

What's the difference between "take extra care" and "take great care"?

"Take extra care" implies a need for more caution than usual, while "take great care" suggests a general need for attentiveness and diligence. The choice depends on the specific situation and the level of risk involved.