urge caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"urge caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression usually used in the context of making advice or a warning. For example, you could write: "I urge caution when dealing with this situation, as it is complex and requires thoughtful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wiser heads urge caution.

The Economist

I still urge caution.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would urge caution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still they urge caution.

The New York Times

Yet the authors urge caution.

The Economist

Still, some experts urge caution.

The New York Times - Health

However, I would urge caution.

The Guardian - Sport

Amid the furore, cooler heads urge caution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. El-Erian's rivals also urge caution.

The New York Times

"I urge caution," Dr. Coyne said.

The New York Times - Science

Nevertheless, even the most ardent bitcoin boosters urge caution.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific prepositions like "in" (e.g., urge caution in interpreting results) or "when" (e.g., urge caution when traveling) to provide immediate context.

Common error

Avoid saying "urge for caution". The verb "urge" is transitive and should take "caution" as its direct object. Adding "for" makes the sentence unnecessarily wordy and less professional.

Linguistic Context

In linguistic terms, "urge caution" functions as a transitive verb phrase. The verb "urge" acts as the action of strongly recommending or entreating, while the noun "caution" serves as the direct object. Ludwig examples show it is frequently used to introduce a caveat or a warning after presenting data or a new development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urge caution" is an essential tool for any writer needing to convey a sense of professional wariness. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is consistently used by the world's most reputable sources to balance enthusiasm with realism. Whether you are reporting on a medical breakthrough in Science or analyzing political shifts in News & Media, using "urge caution" signals that you are a careful and credible observer. It is grammatically straightforward and universally understood in professional circles, making it a reliable choice for providing advice without being alarmist. For maximum impact, ensure you follow it with a clear reason for the caution, such as using "regarding" or "in interpreting" to guide your reader through the potential risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advise prudence

Increases the level of formality and shifts the tone to a more consultative recommendation.

recommend care

A softer, more instructional alternative often used in manual or procedural contexts.

suggest vigilance

Emphasizes the need for active observation and alertness rather than just general carefulness.

call for restraint

Specifically implies that one should hold back from taking immediate or aggressive action.

warn against haste

Frames the advice negatively by highlighting the danger of acting too quickly.

exercise discretion

Focuses on the need for careful judgment and individual decision-making in sensitive situations.

counsel patience

Shifts the focus from risk avoidance to the importance of waiting for the right moment.

invite circumspection

A very formal way to ask someone to consider all circumstances before acting.

press for alertness

Conveys a higher sense of urgency and insistence on staying sharp.

advocate for safety

Broader in scope, often used in policy discussions rather than specific tactical warnings.

FAQs

How do I use "urge caution" in a sentence?

You can use it to advise someone to be careful, such as: "Experts "urge caution" when investing in volatile markets."

What is a more formal synonym for "urge caution"?

You can use a phrase like "advise prudence" to increase the level of formality in academic or legal writing.

Is it better to say "urge caution" or "recommend caution"?

"Urge caution" is stronger and more insistent, while "recommend caution" is softer and more advisory.

Should I say "urge caution regarding" or "urge caution on"?

Both are acceptable. Use "urge caution regarding" for a slightly more formal tone, and "urge caution on" for directness.