totally cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally cautious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is extremely careful or wary in their actions or decisions. Example: "Before making any investments, she was totally cautious, ensuring she understood all the risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you are totally cautious about germs, wash your hands before sticking your finger in and putting on your lips.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

6 It's totally normal to feel apprehensive when the first trash burglar comes in for a cautious nibble.

Vice

The Prime Minister's naming of Mr. Crosland's junior minister, 38-year-old Dr. David Owen, as his successor was totally unexpected & received a cautious welcome.

The New Yorker

The Spanish and Italians, with notable exceptions, are relatively cautious, if not totally financially hamstrung.

The New York Times - Sports

When should you be diplomatic or cautious and when should you be totally honest and revealing?

Huffington Post

But while investors should definitely be cautious about investing in AIG, people shouldn't totally discount all insurance companies.

Forbes

He dubbed the government's cautious welcome of it as "anodyne" and "totally indefensible".

The Guardian

Very cautious.

The New Yorker

Or cautious.

The New Yorker

Cautious maybe.

The Guardian

So cautious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "totally cautious", ensure the context clearly indicates the area of concern and the reason for such heightened caution. This adds clarity and emphasizes the importance of being careful in the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "totally cautious" excessively, as it can sound hyperbolic or insincere. Consider whether a less emphatic phrase like "very cautious" or "highly careful" might be more appropriate to maintain credibility and avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally cautious" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the adjective "cautious", indicating a very high degree of carefulness or wariness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes someone extremely careful.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally cautious" is an adjective phrase used to emphasize a very high degree of carefulness or wariness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and serves to highlight the importance of caution in situations involving risk. When using "totally cautious", consider the potential for overuse and ensure the context warrants such strong emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely careful

Emphasizes the completeness of being careful.

utterly prudent

Highlights wisdom and careful consideration in decision-making.

entirely wary

Focuses on a state of vigilance and suspicion.

absolutely circumspect

Stresses the importance of considering all circumstances before acting.

thoroughly guarded

Implies protection and reservation in one's actions or words.

extremely meticulous

Highlights attention to detail and precision.

wholly vigilant

Emphasizes constant watchfulness and alertness.

fully attentive

Highlights being completely focused and observant.

unquestionably discreet

Focuses on maintaining confidentiality and avoiding unwanted attention.

exceptionally conservative

Highlights a preference for avoiding risks and sticking to established practices.

FAQs

How can I use "totally cautious" in a sentence?

You can use "totally cautious" to describe someone who is extremely careful or wary. For example, "She was "totally cautious" when investing in the stock market."

What are some alternatives to "totally cautious"?

Some alternatives include "completely careful", "utterly prudent", or "entirely wary". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "totally cautious"?

"Totally cautious" is appropriate when you want to emphasize an extreme level of care or wariness, especially in situations involving significant risk or potential negative consequences.

Is "totally cautious" the same as "very cautious"?

While both phrases describe a state of being careful, "totally cautious" implies a higher degree of care and a greater sense of risk or potential danger than "very cautious".