used with caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"used with caution" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something should be done carefully or with a degree of care. For example, "This pesticide should be used with caution, as it can be toxic to humans if not handled correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DCE remains useful for non-market valuation, but its results should be used with caution.

Journal of Environmental Management

Thus, TrueCell should be used with caution.

Geoderma

The new abilities need to be used with caution, however.

The Guardian - Tech

A licence to chill should be used with caution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Furthermore, LEO data must be used with caution.

The Guardian

Ghost peppers in any form must be used with caution.

The New York Times

So the net price calculators should be used with caution.

The New York Times

But urge incontinence drugs must be used with caution, since they can have many side effects.

Harvard University

However, chemical is not species specific and should be used with caution.

Columbia University

In the meantime, "nude" remains a word that should be used with caution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The latter is considered spammy and should be used with caution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to use something "with caution", clearly state the potential risks or side effects to ensure informed decision-making.

Common error

Avoid stating that something should be "used with caution" without providing specific reasons. This can create unnecessary anxiety and discourage appropriate use. Always explain the potential downsides.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used with caution" functions as an adverbial modifier, providing guidance on how something should be employed. It suggests that a certain action or tool requires careful handling due to potential risks or limitations. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used with caution" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to advise care and restraint when employing something due to potential risks or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It frequently appears in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember to specify the potential risks or side effects to facilitate informed decision-making and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "handle with care", ""exercise prudence"", and "approach cautiously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle with care

Emphasizes careful physical handling or treatment, shifting the focus from usage to general interaction.

exercise prudence

Highlights the need for wise and careful decision-making, implying a more thoughtful approach.

proceed with circumspection

Suggests a need for wariness and vigilance, adding a layer of watchfulness to the action.

apply judiciously

Focuses on using something wisely and sparingly, changing the emphasis to thoughtful application.

employ judiciously

Implies a thoughtful and careful manner of use, which brings a level of wisdom and mindfulness to the employment.

approach cautiously

Highlights the need for a careful and tentative beginning, focusing on the initial steps.

take heed

Emphasizes paying close attention to potential risks or warnings, shifting the focus to attentiveness.

with reservations

Indicates partial agreement or acceptance, but includes doubt or concerns.

adopt a measured approach

Suggests implementing a strategy or plan gradually and thoughtfully.

treat gingerly

Emphasizes a delicate and gentle approach, often used when dealing with sensitive or fragile subjects.

FAQs

How can I effectively advise someone to use something "with caution"?

To advise someone effectively, clearly state the potential risks or side effects associated with its use. For instance, mention why a particular chemical should be "handled with care" or why a certain strategy should be "approached cautiously".

What does it mean when someone says a statistic should be "used with caution"?

It typically means the statistic might be unreliable or misinterpreted if taken at face value. There may be confounding factors, biases, or limitations in the data collection or analysis that make it necessary to "exercise prudence" when interpreting the results.

Are there situations where "with reservations" is a better alternative to "used with caution"?

Yes, "with reservations" is more suitable when expressing partial agreement or acceptance while harboring some doubts or concerns. "Used with caution" is better when advising careful use due to potential risks.

In what contexts is the phrase "used with caution" most commonly encountered?

The phrase is frequently encountered in scientific and academic writing, news reports, and formal business communications. It often accompanies advice or warnings about the use of drugs, chemicals, statistical data, or strategic approaches.