we are cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are cautious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express being cautious or careful about something. For example: "We are cautious about entering unfamiliar territory without a guide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are cautious.

The Guardian

We are cautious in our calls.

The New York Times

"We are cautious in storage and handling," he said.

The New York Times

"We are cautious about the findings," he said.

The New York Times - Health

We are not 100% against it but we are cautious.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are cautious on our outlook for retailing in the near term, through Christmas".

The New York Times

"We are cautious as there are headwinds in many of our markets.

The Guardian - Business

"He is very contrarian, although we are cautious about the size of his portfolio".

The Guardian - Money

We are cautious on UK demand, and our flattish 2017 profit forecast, although free cash flow of 12% is attractive.

The Guardian - Business

"We are cautious, frankly," the company's chief financial officer Kurt Kuehn told analysts and investors on a conference call.

The New York Times

"All signs point to a weak economy in 2009, so we are cautious about our growth plan," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are cautious", specify the area or situation about which you are being cautious to provide clarity and context. For instance, "We are cautious about making predictions in such a volatile market."

Common error

Avoid using "we are cautious" excessively or in situations where a more decisive tone is needed. Overusing it can make your writing sound indecisive or lacking in confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are cautious" functions as a statement of the speaker's or group's disposition towards a certain situation. It indicates a careful and circumspect approach, often due to potential risks or uncertainties. Ludwig AI validates this usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are cautious" is a versatile expression used to convey a measured and careful approach in various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and business sources. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the subject of caution for clarity. Alternatives such as "we are careful", "we are wary", and "we are prudent" can be used depending on the desired nuance. However, avoid overusing "we are cautious" to maintain a decisive and confident tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are careful

Changes the wording to a more general term indicating attention to detail and avoidance of mistakes.

we are circumspect

Emphasizes prudence and unwillingness to take risks.

we are prudent

Implies wisdom and good judgment in handling practical matters.

we are wary

Suggests a sense of alert watchfulness and suspicion of potential danger.

we are guarded

Indicates a protective stance and a reluctance to reveal information or emotions.

we are vigilant

Focuses on being keenly watchful to detect danger or something illegal.

we are apprehensive

Highlights anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

we are hesitant

Indicates a reluctance to act due to uncertainty or doubt.

we are tentative

Implies a provisional or experimental approach due to a lack of confidence.

we are circumspect in our approach

Adds detail specifying the domain to which caution is being applied, increasing the precision in meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "we are cautious" in a sentence?

You can use "we are cautious" to express a careful or hesitant approach. For example, "We are cautious about expanding into new markets without thorough research."

What's the difference between "we are cautious" and "we are careful"?

While both phrases indicate a careful approach, "we are cautious" often implies a higher degree of watchfulness and a greater awareness of potential risks, whereas "we are careful" suggests a general attention to detail.

What are some alternatives to using "we are cautious"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "we are wary", "we are prudent", or "we are circumspect" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "we are cautious" in formal writing?

While "we are cautious" is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider whether a more decisive or confident tone might be more effective. If the situation warrants, consider using a more assertive phrase.