we need to be careful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we need to be careful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are warning someone or suggesting caution around a certain task or situation. For example, "We need to be careful when crossing the street so we don't get hit by a car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We need to be careful," Mjallby continued.

Independent

So we need to be careful".

The New York Times

We need to be careful here.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need to be careful on how we do that".

The New York Times

"We need to be careful for some more days".

The New York Times

It reminds me we need to be careful.

The Guardian - Tech

I think we need to be careful of that.

The New York Times

"We need to be careful not to exaggerate this".

The New York Times

"We need to be careful not to overstate it, but similarly we need to be careful not to understate this problem," Colonel McCraw said in an interview.

The New York Times

As I've eluded to before, we need to be careful of how we apply new technology.

The Guardian

We need to be careful about defining well people as sick".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we need to be careful", clearly state the specific area or situation requiring caution to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we need to be careful" without specifying what the potential danger or risk is. Be specific to provide actionable guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we need to be careful" functions as an imperative statement, urging caution or vigilance. Ludwig provides examples in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a warning or advisory phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we need to be careful" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise caution, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly specify the situation requiring caution to avoid ambiguity. The Ludwig AI examples highlight the phrase's versatility in expressing the need for vigilance across diverse scenarios, from scientific research to everyday decision-making. Remembering to clarify what requires care ensures the message is both impactful and actionable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we need to be cautious

Emphasizes the importance of avoiding risks or rash decisions.

we need to be mindful

Highlights the necessity of being aware and attentive to potential consequences.

we need to be vigilant

Stresses the need for constant watchfulness and alertness.

we need to be prudent

Suggests acting with wisdom and foresight to avoid problems.

we need to be circumspect

Implies careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

we must exercise caution

Formal way to express the necessity of being careful.

we should proceed with caution

Indicates a need for a measured and deliberate approach.

it's important to be careful

Focuses on the significance of caution in a general sense.

we must be on our guard

Highlights the need to be prepared for potential threats or dangers.

we have to watch out

A more informal way of saying we need to be careful about potential dangers.

FAQs

How can I use "we need to be careful" in a sentence?

Use "we need to be careful" to advise caution in situations involving potential risks. For example, "We need to be careful when handling sensitive data", or "We need to be careful not to make assumptions".

What's a more formal alternative to "we need to be careful"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "we must exercise caution" or "it is imperative that we are careful" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we need to be careful"?

It's appropriate to use "we need to be careful" when you want to emphasize the importance of caution and prevent potential errors or negative outcomes. It is suitable for a variety of contexts, from personal interactions to professional settings.

What's the difference between "we need to be careful" and "we need to be mindful"?

"We need to be careful" implies a focus on avoiding specific dangers or risks. "We need to be mindful" suggests being aware and attentive to the broader implications or consequences of our actions.