use with care

USAGE SUMMARY

"use with care" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used as a warning to be careful when handling a potentially dangerous or delicate item or situation. For example: "Read the instructions carefully; this product should be used with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

// NB: WHEN control==1, the weights will be reset to baseline, SO USE WITH CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!! print "IterTest WARNING: reset weights to baseline!" //* AddCountCol(nqa) - add a column of spike counts to nqa.

Yale University

DACHER KELTNER Use with care.

University of California, Berkeley

Physical comforting can aid mollification, but use with care.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

*-* The cycle is only ~10**9, so use with care! *-* Note especially that VAL must not be undefined on input.

Stanford University

He adds: "With discounted sales, you provide far less than the resources required to build new social homes - there's a balance of social versus personal interest which the government, as the custodian of the public interest, has a duty, with taxpayers' money, to use with care". There's the rub.

The Guardian

(We're also pretty good at quickly spotting what's staggeringly uninteresting, so use with care).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Graphical representation of the results can be useful, but must be used with care.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Such creations must be used with care.

The New Yorker

The words "just like mother used to make", or variations thereof, should be used with care.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It needs to be used with care but can have a wonderful effect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, because it spurs thinking in the conscious mind, it must be used with care.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "use with care", be specific about the potential risks involved. Explain why caution is necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "use with care" as a generic warning. If there are no apparent risks or specific instructions, the phrase can seem redundant and dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use with care" functions primarily as an advisory expression. Ludwig AI shows it's used to issue a warning or instruction to handle something cautiously, emphasizing potential risks or the need for mindfulness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

22%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "use with care" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a cautionary instruction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common application across diverse contexts, from technical manuals to news articles. While seemingly straightforward, the effectiveness of "use with care" hinges on its context and the clarity of the associated risks. For more formal settings, alternatives like "exercise caution" might be preferred, however "use with care" remains a versatile and widely understood advisory phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Handle with caution

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential danger or sensitivity.

Proceed with caution

Suggests careful advancement in a situation where risks are present.

Exercise care

Highlights the importance of being mindful and attentive to avoid mistakes or harm.

Be careful when using

Directly advises caution during the act of using something.

Use judiciously

Implies using something wisely and sparingly to maximize its benefits and minimize negative consequences.

Apply with prudence

Suggests using something thoughtfully and with good judgment.

Treat with respect

Indicates that something should be handled carefully due to its value or importance.

Take heed

A more formal way of saying to pay attention and be cautious.

Employ circumspection

Suggests careful and thorough consideration of all circumstances before acting.

Be vigilant in your usage

Emphasizes the need for constant watchfulness and attention when using something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "use with care" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "exercise caution" or "employ prudence" when providing instructions or warnings.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "use with care"?

Use "use with care" when something requires careful handling to prevent damage, injury, or misuse. It's suitable for tools, chemicals, delicate equipment, or even abstract concepts like data or power.

What does it mean to "use with care"?

To "use with care" means to handle or employ something cautiously, paying close attention to potential risks or negative consequences. It implies a need for attentiveness and deliberate action.

Is there a difference between "use with caution" and "use with care"?

The phrases "use with caution" and "use with care" are largely interchangeable, both indicating the need for careful handling. "Use with caution" might subtly emphasize potential danger, while "use with care" focuses more on general mindfulness.