to err on the side of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to err on the side of caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about being extra careful or conservative in order to avoid making any mistakes or taking any risks. Example: As we don't have much experience in this area, it's best to err on the side of caution and take the safer route.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is one thing to err on the side of caution.

BBC

Developers are likely to err on the side of caution.

Stanford University

'They tend to err on the side of caution.

The Guardian - Travel

"Better to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times

I'm going to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times

But we prefer to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times

"I'm choosing to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times

But to err on the side of caution is prudent".

The New York Times

But we decided to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times - Arts

"But it's better to err on the side of caution and find out".

The New York Times - Sports

If in doubt about borderline inappropriate stuff, better to err on the side of caution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating potential risks, use "to err on the side of caution" to show you are prioritizing safety and well-being over other factors like speed or cost.

Common error

While versatile, "to err on the side of caution" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "better safe than sorry" or "play it safe" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to err on the side of caution" functions as an idiom that advises a conservative approach to decision-making. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in scenarios where avoiding potential negative outcomes is prioritized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to err on the side of caution" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound idiom used to advocate for a conservative approach to decision-making, particularly in situations involving significant risk. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. It is a versatile expression, but alternatives such as "play it safe" or "better safe than sorry" may be more appropriate for informal conversations. Considering the potential consequences and being aware of the context are key to effectively employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better safe than sorry

An idiomatic expression that advises prioritizing safety over taking risks, even if it seems unnecessary.

to be on the safe side

Indicates a preference for choosing the option that guarantees safety, even if it's not the most efficient.

to proceed with caution

Emphasizes the act of moving forward carefully, being aware of potential dangers.

when in doubt, choose the safer option

A conditional statement that advises selecting the less risky alternative when uncertainty exists.

to be excessively careful

Focuses on the degree of carefulness, implying a high level of attention to detail and risk avoidance.

to exercise utmost prudence

Focuses on the quality of being careful and wise, suggesting a thoughtful consideration of risks.

to take a conservative approach

Highlights the choice of a less risky strategy, focusing on minimizing potential losses.

to adopt a safety-first approach

Emphasizes prioritizing safety over other considerations, making it a guiding principle.

to play it safe

A more informal way of saying to avoid risks and potential problems.

to take preemptive measures

Highlights taking action in advance to prevent something negative from happening.

FAQs

How can I use "to err on the side of caution" in a sentence?

You can use "to err on the side of caution" when you want to express a preference for being extra careful to avoid potential problems or risks. For example, "Given the unpredictable weather, we decided "to err on the side of caution" and bring extra supplies".

What does it mean "to err on the side of caution"?

The expression "to err on the side of caution" means that it's better to be excessively careful than to take a risk that could lead to negative consequences. It suggests prioritizing safety and minimizing potential harm, even if it means taking a more conservative approach.

What can I say instead of "to err on the side of caution"?

You can use alternatives like "play it safe", "better safe than sorry", or "proceed with caution" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate "to err on the side of caution"?

"To err on the side of caution" is appropriate in situations where potential risks or negative outcomes are significant. This includes decisions related to health, safety, finance, and security, where the consequences of a mistake could be severe. It is also appropriate in situations where information is uncertain or incomplete.