very cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

"very cautious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time that you need to describe someone (or something) as being very careful and thoughtful when making decisions. Example: John was very cautious when it came to investing his savings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very cautious.

The New Yorker

"We're very cautious.

Independent

"He was very cautious.

The New York Times

"He'd grown very cautious.

The New Yorker

RR : Very, very cautious.

The Guardian

"Everybody is very cautious".

The New York Times

"They are very cautious".

The New York Times

Everyone is very cautious.

The Guardian

I'd be very cautious.

The Guardian

"They're being very cautious.

The New York Times

"I'm very cautious," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to be "very cautious", provide specific examples of potential risks to consider. This makes your advice more actionable and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "very cautious" as a blanket statement. Always provide context or reasons for the need for heightened caution to maintain credibility and avoid sounding alarmist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very cautious" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "cautious". It amplifies the degree of carefulness and prudence, highlighting a heightened state of awareness and risk mitigation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

21%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very cautious" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the degree of carefulness and prudence in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as Wiki articles, suggesting its broad applicability. While alternatives like "extremely careful" or "highly circumspect" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. When using "very cautious", it is important to provide context and specific examples to enhance its impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely careful

Emphasizes the degree of care taken.

highly circumspect

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful approach to avoiding risks.

deeply prudent

Highlights the wisdom and foresight involved in being cautious.

extraordinarily wary

Focuses on being exceptionally watchful and alert to potential dangers.

exceedingly vigilant

Implies a constant state of alertness and attentiveness to potential threats.

intensely guarded

Suggests a strong defensive posture to protect against harm.

particularly attentive

Highlights the focus and attention to detail in avoiding mistakes or dangers.

exceptionally discreet

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining privacy and avoiding unwanted attention.

remarkably conservative

Focuses on avoiding risks and sticking to established practices.

noticeably tentative

Suggests a hesitance and lack of confidence due to caution.

FAQs

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

You can use "very cautious" to describe someone's approach to a situation, for example: "He was "very cautious" when investing in the stock market."

What are some alternatives to saying "very cautious"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extremely careful", "highly circumspect", or "deeply prudent" as alternatives to "very cautious."

Is it better to say "very cautious" or "extremely cautious"?

Both "very cautious" and "extremely cautious" are grammatically correct and usable. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey. "Extremely" suggests a higher level of caution.

In what situations is it appropriate to advise someone to be "very cautious"?

It's appropriate to advise someone to be "very cautious" in situations involving high risk, uncertainty, or potential negative consequences, such as making significant financial investments, entering into new business ventures, or dealing with sensitive information.