wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "wary" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective which means to be cautious and alert to possible danger or risk. For example, "The business owner was wary of the offer, so she asked her lawyer to review the contract before she signed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So should we be more wary of paracetamol?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its focus draws in those who would otherwise be wary of entangling themselves too deeply in the politics of the Middle East, she believes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Britain joined late, in 1973, but some English people – perhaps steeped in Britain's maritime, free-trade and imperial traditions – felt wary or hostile towards the EU.

The Guardian

The rest of Britain should be extremely wary of doing the same with theirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tony Abbott has sought to reassure wary colleagues and big mining companies that any government-backed inquiry into Australia's iron ore sector would be a fact-finding mission rather than an attempt to regulate the market.

The Guardian - Business

Ditto Tony Hall, the BBC's own wary boss.

The Guardian

That roughly paints a picture of history – Kilmarnock as the more prominent and successful club – but Kenny Shiels's men must be wary of complacency, their erratic form aside. Ayr have won the past four League Cup meetings between the teams and have bundled three SPL sides – Inverness, Hearts and St Mirren – out of this season's competition.

The Guardian - Sport

Almost all were wary about their clothes not being sufficiently clean when the cycle had finished, but they were all convinced after trying it.

The Guardian

Many developed countries are wary of profit-taking by multinationals with limited interest in helping them to adapt to droughts, floods or extreme weather events.

The Guardian

The 30-year-old former Olympic champion, who was last year named sportswoman of the year, is confident of a return to form ahead of the Brazil Games but is wary of the size of the task.

The Guardian - Sport

But the investment community is always wary of the place.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wary", clearly specify the object or situation causing the caution. For instance, "wary of strangers" is more informative than simply "wary".

Common error

Avoid using "wary" when a stronger term like "fearful" or "terrified" is more appropriate. "Wary" implies a measured caution, not extreme dread.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "wary" modifies a noun to indicate a state of caution or watchfulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is commonly used and grammatically sound in English. Examples show it describing people's attitudes towards potential dangers or uncertainties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wary" is a versatile adjective signifying caution and vigilance, commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it’s essential to specify the object or situation prompting the caution for clarity. Related terms like "cautious" and "circumspect" offer nuanced alternatives. Being mindful of its measured tone helps avoid overstating the level of concern. With its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The Guardian, mastering the usage of "wary" enhances both precision and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious

Emphasizes carefulness and avoidance of potential problems or dangers.

careful

Emphasizes attention to detail and avoidance of mistakes or harm.

circumspect

Highlights prudence and careful consideration of circumstances before acting.

guarded

Suggests a protective stance, often due to a perceived threat or lack of trust.

leery

Implies suspicion and a lack of trust, leading to cautious behavior.

mindful

Highlights awareness and consideration of potential risks or issues.

suspicious

Focuses on distrust and the belief that something is wrong or dishonest.

chary

Highlights reluctance and carefulness in giving or using something valuable.

heedful

Suggests attentiveness and consideration of potential consequences.

on guard

Implies a state of readiness and vigilance against potential threats.

FAQs

How can I use "wary" in a sentence?

You can use "wary" to describe someone who is cautious and alert to risks. For example, "The investor was "wary" of the volatile stock market."

What are some synonyms for "wary"?

Synonyms for "wary" include "cautious", "circumspect", and "guarded". These words all describe a state of being careful and alert.

Is it correct to say "I am wary about" or "I am wary of"?

While both can be used, "wary of" is more common and generally preferred. "Wary about" isn't necessarily incorrect, but it's less frequently used.

What's the difference between "wary" and "weary"?

"Wary" means cautious or careful due to potential dangers, while "weary" means tired or fatigued. They are distinct words with different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.