they are cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are cautious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe individuals or groups who are careful and avoid taking risks. Example: "In uncertain situations, they are cautious and prefer to analyze all possible outcomes before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

They are cautious in their approach.

The Economist

In other words, they are cautious to a fault.

The Economist

And deep down, they are cautious, even driven by fear.

The New York Times - Sports

The managers say they are cautious about the stock market.

The New York Times

They are cautious beasts and don't like doing new things.

The Guardian

"The E.U. institutions have a lot of money, but they are cautious about spending it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

They're cautious.

The New York Times - Style

"Yes, they were cautious," Fein said.

Independent

"I imagine they're cautious," he said.

The New Yorker

They were cautious and defensive politicians.

The Guardian - Books

WHAT should they be cautious about while covering the campaign?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are cautious", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your sentence is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "they are cautious" without providing specific examples of their cautious behavior. Show, don't just tell. Describe the actions they take or the decisions they make that demonstrate their cautiousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are cautious" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes the characteristic of cautiousness to a group or individuals. As Ludwig AI shows, this is commonly used in news and media to describe the behavior of entities in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are cautious" is a versatile phrase used to describe a group's tendency to avoid risks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and scientific contexts. While it's generally neutral, context dictates its specific connotation. To enhance clarity, provide specific examples of their cautious behavior rather than simply stating it. Consider alternatives like "they exercise prudence" for a more formal tone or "they are playing it safe" to emphasize risk aversion. Remember that excessive cautiousness, while sometimes beneficial, can also lead to inaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they exercise prudence

Emphasizes wisdom and good judgment in their actions, suggesting a more deliberate and thoughtful approach.

they are being careful

Highlights the present and ongoing nature of their cautious behavior.

they are playing it safe

Suggests avoiding risks to ensure a secure outcome.

they are taking precautions

Focuses on specific actions taken to prevent potential harm or negative consequences.

they are circumspect

Implies a watchful and discreet approach, especially in sensitive situations.

they are playing it conservatively

Emphasizes a traditional and risk-averse strategy.

they are playing it by ear

Suggests a flexible and adaptive approach based on unfolding circumstances, with elements of caution.

they are on their guard

Indicates a state of vigilance and readiness to respond to potential threats.

they are thinking twice

Indicates a deep level of consideration and double-checking.

they are proceeding with caution

Suggests a slow and deliberate approach due to potential dangers or uncertainties.

FAQs

How can I use "they are cautious" in a sentence?

You can use "they are cautious" to describe a group's tendency to avoid risks. For example, "Because of the economic uncertainty, "they are cautious" about making new investments."

What is a more formal way to say "they are cautious"?

A more formal alternative is "they exercise prudence". This emphasizes the wisdom and good judgment behind their careful approach.

What's the difference between "they are cautious" and "they are afraid"?

"They are cautious" implies carefulness and a desire to avoid risks, while "they are afraid" indicates a feeling of fear or anxiety. Cautiousness is a reasoned approach, whereas fear is an emotional response.

Are there situations where "they are cautious" might have negative connotations?

Yes, if excessive cautiousness leads to inaction or missed opportunities, it can be seen negatively. In such cases, phrases like "they are hesitant" or "they are overly cautious" might be more appropriate.