wary attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cautious or suspicious mindset towards a situation or person. Example: "Her wary attitude towards the new project stemmed from previous negative experiences with similar initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This wary attitude persists.

The New Yorker

Ms. Scher's wary attitude is shared by other artists in the show.

The New York Times - Arts

Though not identified by dress or bearing, they have the wary attitude of paratroops whose drop may have gone astray.

The New York Times - Arts

Many have a wary attitude to authority: this is a country where the word "gehorsam" (obedient) can be used as an insult.

The Guardian

Tim Gibbons, the communications director at the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, a nonprofit concerned with preserving family farms, summed up the wary attitude: "I am uncomfortable with foreign countries and their corporations owning and controlling our food," he told me.

The New Yorker

And, especially give all the current territorial maritime disputes, most of China's neighbors, who only a few years ago were quite well-disposed to China and its rise, now have a much more wary attitude.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Meanwhile, historical inequities often underlie wary attitudes toward health care.

Huffington Post

Traditionally, museum executives have a wary, protectionist attitude about their exhibitions.

The New York Times

Traditionally, museums have had a sort of wary, protectionist attitude about their exhibitions.

The New York Times

Like many white Southerners, the current generation of Hintons has a nostalgic, sentimental relationship to the past, and a wary, ambivalent attitude toward modernity.

The New York Times

Traditionally, museums have had a sort of wary, protectionist attitude about their exhibitions: Why should we cooperate with other museums, was the mentality, when they will only steal our thunder and plunder our audience?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wary attitude", clearly indicate the object or situation toward which the wariness is directed. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid substituting "weary" (tired) for "wary". "Wary" describes a state of caution or distrust, while "weary" describes physical or mental fatigue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary attitude" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific state of mind or disposition. It suggests a cautious or suspicious outlook. Ludwig AI indicates that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

26%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wary attitude" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing a state of caution, suspicion, or distrust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly indicate what the wariness is directed toward and to avoid confusing "wary" with "weary". While less common than alternatives like "cautious approach", "wary attitude" effectively conveys a need for careful assessment and risk mitigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious approach

Emphasizes the method of dealing with something carefully to avoid potential problems.

guarded outlook

Focuses on a mental perspective that is careful and reserved, expecting potential issues.

suspicious mindset

Highlights a state of mind characterized by mistrust and doubt.

circumspect behavior

Indicates acting carefully and deliberately, especially to avoid mistakes or offenses.

skeptical view

Implies a questioning stance, doubting the validity or truth of something.

distrustful nature

Refers to an inherent tendency to lack confidence in others or something.

apprehensive stance

Emphasizes a fearful or anxious position regarding a situation.

reserved disposition

Focuses on a temperament characterized by restraint and a lack of openness.

tentative position

Suggests a cautious and uncertain stance, open to change.

leery perspective

Uses a more informal term to describe a cautious and distrustful point of view.

FAQs

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

You can use "wary attitude" to describe someone's cautious or suspicious approach to something. For example, "Due to past failures, she adopted a "wary attitude" toward new projects".

What are some alternatives to "wary attitude"?

Alternatives include "cautious approach", "guarded outlook", or "suspicious mindset", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "wary" and "cautious"?

"Wary" implies a sense of distrust or suspicion, while "cautious" suggests being careful to avoid potential problems. A "wary attitude" might involve doubting someone's intentions, whereas a cautious approach involves taking steps to minimize risks.

Is it appropriate to use "wary attitude" in formal writing?

Yes, "wary attitude" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing careful or skeptical approaches in professional or academic contexts.