to be circumspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be circumspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be cautious and consider all circumstances before acting or making a decision. Example: "In negotiations, it is important to be circumspect to avoid any misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The juror had reason to be circumspect.

The New York Times

Perhaps Bennett is wise to be circumspect.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wagner tended to be circumspect on the subject of Verdi.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps the government's team were right to be circumspect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Certainly GE had to be circumspect about what she wrote.

The New Yorker

Male stars, he said, tend to be "circumspect".

The New York Times

I get the feeling he had to be circumspect.

The New York Times - Sports

Doctors are trained to be circumspect and not draw conclusions that aren't supported by facts.

The Washington Post

Like others at his level of the business, Sam has learned to be circumspect.

The New York Times

Reason enough for Europeans to be circumspect about his slogans in the future.

The Guardian

Scientists used to be circumspect at attributing any single extreme event to global warming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be circumspect", consider the audience and context. It's often used in formal settings or when discussing sensitive topics where careful consideration is paramount.

Common error

While "to be circumspect" is correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to be careful" or "to be cautious" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be circumspect" functions primarily as an adjective complement, modifying nouns or pronouns by ascribing the quality of cautiousness or prudence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be circumspect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that suggests caution and careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears most commonly in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While effective, it is important to choose this phrase judiciously, especially in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Related phrases, such as "to be cautious" or "to be prudent", can provide similar meaning with slight variations in nuance. Therefore, understanding the context and audience is crucial when deciding whether "to be circumspect" is the most fitting choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be cautious

Focuses more on avoiding potential dangers or risks.

to exercise caution

Formal way of saying to be cautious.

to be prudent

Emphasizes wisdom and good judgment in practical affairs.

to be careful

Highlights the need for attentiveness and vigilance.

to be discreet

Stresses the importance of maintaining confidentiality and avoiding unwanted attention.

to tread carefully

Implies navigating a sensitive or risky situation.

to be wary

Implies a sense of distrust or suspicion.

to be guarded

Suggests a defensive posture and unwillingness to reveal information.

to think twice

Suggests pausing to reconsider before acting.

to look before you leap

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration.

FAQs

How to use "to be circumspect" in a sentence?

You can use "to be circumspect" to advise someone to be cautious and consider all circumstances before acting. For example: "In negotiations, it is important to be circumspect to avoid any misunderstandings."

What can I say instead of "to be circumspect"?

You can use alternatives like "to be cautious", "to be prudent", or "to be careful" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to be circumspect" or "to become circumspect"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "To be circumspect" describes a state of being cautious, while "to become circumspect" describes the process of adopting that cautious attitude.

What's the difference between "to be circumspect" and "to be quiet"?

"To be circumspect" implies careful consideration and caution in one's actions and words, while "to be quiet" simply means to refrain from speaking. They are not interchangeable.