very careful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very careful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who exercises a high degree of caution or attention to detail in various contexts. Example: "She was very careful while handling the fragile glassware to ensure nothing was broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be very, very careful.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Great methods, very careful.

The New Yorker

"Let's be very careful".

The New York Times

I'm always very careful".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were very careful".

The New York Times

"We're very careful.

The New York Times

I'll be very careful".

The New York Times

I'm being very careful".

The New York Times

"We're very careful people".

The New York Times

"They're very careful.

The New Yorker

Maybe very careful.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to be "very careful", provide specific context to clarify the potential risks. For instance, instead of just saying "Be very careful", specify "Be very careful when handling the chemicals".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very careful" as a general warning. Instead, elaborate on the specific action or situation. Instead of "Be very careful", try "Exercise caution when downloading files" to offer more actionable guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very careful" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a heightened state of caution or attentiveness. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from handling objects to navigating situations, reflecting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very careful" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the need for heightened caution and attention. Ludwig's analysis highlights its widespread use across various domains, especially in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While versatile, it's most effective when paired with specific details about the situation requiring care. Remember to explore alternatives like "extremely cautious" or "highly attentive" for nuanced expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, offering writers a reliable tool for conveying the importance of being cautious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely cautious

Intensifies the degree of caution, suggesting an even greater level of care.

highly attentive

Focuses on the level of attention given to avoid mistakes or danger.

particularly vigilant

Emphasizes watchfulness and alertness to potential risks.

scrupulously thorough

Highlights the meticulous and exhaustive nature of the care taken.

exceedingly prudent

Stresses the wisdom and careful consideration behind the actions.

ever so cautious

Implies a gentle and almost exaggerated level of care.

remarkably circumspect

Suggests a notable level of discretion and thoughtfulness.

mindfully deliberate

Highlights the conscious and thoughtful nature of the care taken.

intensely meticulous

Focuses on the fine details and precision involved.

exquisitely precise

Implies a refined and delicate level of care and accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "very careful" in a sentence?

You can use "very careful" to describe someone's actions, for example: "She was "very careful" when handling the antique vase". You can also use it as a warning: "Be "very careful" while driving in the snow".

What are some alternatives to "very careful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "extremely cautious", "highly attentive", or "particularly vigilant".

Is it redundant to say "very, very careful"?

While it might sound redundant, saying "very, very careful" emphasizes the importance of caution even further. It's often used in situations where the potential consequences are significant.

What's the difference between "careful" and "very careful"?

"Careful" implies a general level of attention and caution. "Very careful" intensifies this, suggesting a heightened awareness and a greater degree of precaution are necessary.