use caution when

USAGE SUMMARY

"use caution when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when giving a warning or precaution before a particular action or situation. For example: Use caution when handling hot objects to avoid burns. Use caution when driving in heavy rain to prevent accidents. Use caution when using electrical appliances near water for safety. In each of these examples, "use caution when" is used to advise someone to be careful or take extra care in a specific situation. It can also be used as a standalone sentence, such as "Use caution when crossing the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use caution when tanning.

WikiHow

Use caution when downloading.

WikiHow

Use caution when sewing.

WikiHow

Use caution when starting.

WikiHow

Use caution when riding downhill.

WikiHow

Use caution when mixing fish!

WikiHow

Use caution when around exhaust.

WikiHow

Use caution when they're buying.

WikiHow

Use caution when using pickaxe.

WikiHow

Use caution when using bleach.

WikiHow

Use caution when preparing food.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase specifically for tasks that involve a moderate level of risk; for extreme dangers, consider more urgent language like "Danger:" or "Warning:".

Common error

Avoid using "use caution when" without specifying the exact moment of risk. For example, saying "use caution when driving" is less effective than "use caution when driving on icy roads". Specificity increases the practical utility of the warning.

Linguistic Context

"Use caution when" serves as a direct imperative instruction, typically found at the beginning of a safety warning or practical tip. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and usable phrase in written English. It functions as a conditional imperative where the command to be careful is activated by the subsequent situation or activity mentioned after the temporal conjunction "when".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

92%

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "use caution when" is a highly reliable and grammatically correct tool for providing safety instructions. Ludwig AI and the extensive examples from WikiHow demonstrate its utility in practical, step-by-step guides. It effectively prepares a reader for a potentially hazardous task without sounding overly alarmist. To maximize its impact, writers should ensure that the action following the phrase is specific and well-defined. While it is dominant in the 'Wiki' category, it is equally applicable in business and news registers. For those seeking a higher level of formality, alternatives like "exercise caution when" serve as excellent substitutes that maintain the same semantic meaning while elevating the professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise caution when

Significantly more formal and suitable for professional or legal documents.

be careful when

More common in everyday speech and informal writing.

proceed with caution when

Implies that an action is already in progress and requires ongoing vigilance.

take care when

A softer, more British or colloquial way to suggest safety.

use care when

Focuses on the quality of the action rather than just the state of caution.

be cautious when

Uses the adjective form to emphasize the required state of mind.

pay attention when

Focuses on mindfulness and focus rather than general safety.

stay alert when

Suggests a higher level of immediate environmental awareness is needed.

mind your safety when

Directly references the goal of the caution (personal safety).

watch out when

A more urgent and informal warning often used for physical dangers.

FAQs

How to use "use caution when" in a sentence?

You can use "use caution when" to introduce a safety tip, such as: ""Use caution when" operating heavy machinery to prevent workplace injuries."

What can I say instead of "use caution when"?

Depending on the tone you need, you can use "exercise caution when" for formal contexts or "be careful when" for more casual writing.

Is "use caution when" formal enough for a technical manual?

Yes, it is standard for technical manuals, though you might prefer "proceed with caution when" if you want to emphasize the process of the action.

What is the difference between "use caution when" and "take care when"?

While both advise safety, "take care when" is often perceived as more gentle or conversational, whereas "use caution when" sounds more like a structured instruction.