we caution against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we caution against" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to advise someone to avoid a particular action or behavior due to potential negative consequences. Example: "In our report, we caution against making hasty decisions without thorough analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we caution against hasty judgments and inflammatory statements.

The New York Times

We caution against disproportionate countermeasures that are not founded on proper data and assessment.

Nature

We caution against taking the 2014 election as a referendum on bipartisanship.

The Washington Post

Yet, the next thing Margolis says is "we caution against drawing hasty conclusions". Why?

Harvard Business Review

MANSON: If you're already taking these supplements, we don't find clear reasons for stopping, but we caution against mega-dosing.

Harvard University

Therefore, we caution against using later releases to (for example) analyze the rate at which new folds are being discovered.

University of California, Berkeley

Although the benefits of loading doses have not been proven, we caution against abandoning this practice on uncertain theoretical grounds.

European Journal of Cancer

"We caution against potential panelists who have been longtime critics of hydraulic fracturing," he wrote in a letter.

The New York Times

Pure patent bundling/tying is common and often has sound efficiency justifications, so we caution against prohibiting the pure bundling of RAND-committed and non-RAND-committed patents.

Research Policy

39 can generate jobs across California, we caution against over – promising on the number of jobs, particularly the number of new entry – level jobs.

University of California, Berkeley

Until well-designed randomized controlled trials show that gelatin is safe, we caution against the use of gelatins because cheaper and safer fluid alternatives are available.

Journal of Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we caution against", clearly state the specific action or interpretation you are advising against to avoid ambiguity. Provide a rationale or potential negative consequences to strengthen your caution.

Common error

Avoid using "we caution against" in contexts where the caution is too broad or lacks a clear, actionable alternative. Instead, offer specific, manageable steps or considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we caution against" functions as an advisory expression. It serves to introduce a warning or recommendation against a specific action, belief, or interpretation. This is evident in Ludwig examples, where the phrase precedes a statement about potential risks or errors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

27%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we caution against" is a frequently used phrase, as shown by Ludwig, which serves as a warning or recommendation against a specific action, belief, or interpretation. It's considered grammatically correct and is prevalent in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what you're advising against and, if possible, explain why. Alternatives like "we advise against" and "we warn against" offer similar advisory tones. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a wide range of professional and academic settings. Understanding its proper use can help avoid misinterpretations and ensure clear, effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we advise against

Directly suggests against a course of action; emphasizes guidance.

we warn against

Emphasizes potential danger or negative consequences.

we recommend avoiding

Suggests steering clear of something; focuses on avoidance.

we discourage

Expresses disapproval and attempts to prevent the action.

it is not advisable to

A more formal way of saying something is not recommended.

we urge caution when

Highlights the need for careful consideration.

we suggest careful consideration of

Emphasizes thoughtful evaluation before acting.

we caution against the temptation to

Specifically addresses and warns against a tempting action.

we express reservations about

Indicates doubts or concerns about something.

we advise a more circumspect approach

Suggests a cautious and watchful strategy.

FAQs

What does "we caution against" mean?

The phrase "we caution against" means that the speaker or writer is advising someone to avoid a particular action, belief, or interpretation because it could lead to negative consequences or is based on flawed reasoning.

When is it appropriate to use "we caution against" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "we caution against" when you want to advise against something due to potential risks, errors, or misinterpretations. For example, "we caution against hasty judgments".

What are some alternatives to saying "we caution against"?

You can use alternatives like "we advise against", "we warn against", or "we recommend avoiding" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

How can I use "we caution against" effectively in a sentence?

To use "we caution against" effectively, follow it with a clear and specific statement of what you are advising against, and if possible, provide a reason or explanation. For instance, "we caution against over interpreting these results without further data".