wary about

USAGE SUMMARY

"wary about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express being cautious or on alert about a specific situation. For example: I am wary about investing in the stock market due to the current economic uncertainty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm wary about that.

The New York Times

So I was wary about getting involved.

The Guardian - Music

Thole is wary about rushing back.

The New York Times

Carol is wary about this.

The New York Times

He's wary about joining another campaign.

The New Yorker

Bookshops are wary about of stocking them.

The Guardian

Yet he's wary about legislation too early.

The Guardian

Still, many are wary about possible expansion.

The New York Times

But Vietnam is likely to remain wary about such things.

The Economist

Henry, the exhibit's curator, was wary about the idea.

The New Yorker

White House aides remained wary about rewarding a repressive government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wary about", ensure that the object of your wariness is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm wary", specify "I'm "wary about" the proposed changes".

Common error

Avoid using "wary about" to express general fears or anxieties without a specific trigger. "Wary about" implies a reasoned caution toward a particular situation or object, not a diffuse feeling of unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary about" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a state of caution or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase indicates a reasoned concern, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wary about" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that conveys caution or concern regarding a specific situation or object. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in diverse contexts. As demonstrated by the many examples, the phrase is common across various sources, including news, media, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "cautious about" or "concerned about" exist, "wary about" specifically suggests a degree of suspicion or distrust. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object of your wariness and avoiding its misuse in expressing general fears.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious about

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes carefulness and forethought.

concerned about

Focuses on worry and anxiety regarding a particular situation.

apprehensive about

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or dread about something that might happen.

suspicious of

Suggests a lack of trust and a belief that something may be wrong.

uneasy about

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or restlessness.

doubtful about

Implies uncertainty or skepticism.

leery of

Informal way to express suspicion or distrust.

guarded about

Suggests a cautious approach due to potential risks.

circumspect about

Implies careful consideration and a reluctance to take risks.

hesitant about

Indicates a reluctance or unwillingness to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "wary about" in a sentence?

You can use "wary about" to express caution or concern regarding a specific situation or object. For example, "I am "wary about" investing in new tech stocks right now".

What phrases can I use instead of "wary about"?

You can use alternatives like "cautious about", "concerned about", or "apprehensive about", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "wary about" and "cautious about"?

"Wary about" suggests a degree of suspicion or distrust, while "cautious about" simply implies carefulness and forethought. "I'm "wary about" his promises" suggests you doubt his sincerity, whereas "I'm "cautious about" this investment" suggests you are carefully considering the risks.

When is it inappropriate to use "wary about"?

It is inappropriate to use "wary about" when describing general anxieties or fears that lack a specific trigger. "Wary about" should be reserved for situations where there is a clear reason for caution or suspicion.