wary of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary of him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing caution or suspicion towards someone. Example: "She was always wary of him, unsure of his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the Germans remain wary of him.

The New York Times - Sports

Some neighbours were wary of him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was always rather wary of him.

The Guardian

So I'm very wary of him.

The Guardian - Sport

Already the Australian right-handers are wary of him.

The Guardian - Sport

He admitted some peers were wary of him when he arrived in the Lords.

Independent

Even black leaders who were initially wary of him came to recognize his advantages.

The New Yorker

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of Britain was wary of him.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney has been dogged by the reality that conservative, rural Republicans remain wary of him.

The New York Times

He lacks Mr Sanchez's money, however, and the party's leaders are wary of him.

The Economist

He "had a mouth," which made both his schoolmates and his family wary of him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wary of him", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the wariness. Specific details add credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "wary of him" without providing any reason for the caution. A vague statement can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, subtly hint or directly state the cause for the wariness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary of him" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject by expressing a state of caution or distrust directed towards a specific male individual. It suggests a careful and guarded approach in interactions. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wary of him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression indicating caution or suspicion towards a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "cautious of him" or "suspicious of him" exist, "wary of him" maintains a neutral register and effectively conveys a sense of guardedness. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context for the wariness to enhance clarity. Overusing the phrase without adequate reasoning can weaken your writing, making it essential to offer specific hints or direct explanations for the caution displayed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious of him

Emphasizes carefulness and avoidance of potential danger; less intense than "wary".

suspicious of him

Highlights a lack of trust and belief that someone may be deceitful.

distrustful of him

Similar to suspicious but implies a stronger sense of doubt and lack of faith.

guarded around him

Focuses on maintaining emotional distance and protecting oneself in his presence.

apprehensive about him

Highlights anxiety and fear concerning possible interactions or outcomes involving him.

leery of him

Informal term expressing caution and doubt; similar to "wary" but more colloquial.

hesitant around him

Implies a reluctance to engage or interact freely due to uncertainty or concern.

chary of him

A more formal and less common synonym for wary, suggesting prudence and circumspection.

on his guard with him

Emphasizes a state of readiness to defend oneself against potential threats or deception.

reserved with him

Focuses on a measured and restrained demeanor, indicating a lack of openness or trust.

FAQs

How can I use "wary of him" in a sentence?

You can use "wary of him" to describe someone who is cautious or suspicious of another person. For example, "After the series of lies, she was "wary of him" and his promises."

What are some alternatives to saying "wary of him"?

Alternatives include "cautious of him", "suspicious of him", or "distrustful of him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "wary of him" or "cautious of him"?

"Wary of him" and "cautious of him" are generally considered to have a similar level of formality, suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific tone of the writing.

What's the difference between being "wary of him" and being "afraid of him"?

Being "afraid of him" implies a sense of fear or terror, while being "wary of him" suggests caution and a lack of trust. "Wary" is often used when there's a perceived risk or uncertainty, but not necessarily outright fear.