we need to exercise caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we need to exercise caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be careful or to consider potential risks in a situation. Example: "Before making any decisions regarding the investment, we need to exercise caution and thoroughly evaluate the market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"When we use these archival documents to understand the past, we need to exercise caution about the kind of conclusions we draw," he was quoted as saying.

The Washington Post

We need to exercise caution as regards (mathcal{M}^{p}).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

"These are very compelling, excellent studies," says immunogeneticist Kathleen Barnes of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, who was not involved in either study, "but we need to exercise caution in applying these findings in humans".

Science Magazine

Whilst I don't argue that this should necessarily be so (see Mike's comment above about past occupation), it is a sensitive issue and we need to exercise caution in making judgements on the 'accommodation and facilities' afforded these people by the Ukrainian authorities.

BBC

However, we need to exercise caution in interpreting the lack of significance across countries from the multilevel models given the small number of countries (n = 20) and consequent reduced statistical power to detect significant factors at this level.

AIDS and Behavior

First, although the results of the study may be used to inform interventions in Bauchi and Sokoto states, we need to exercise caution generalizing findings and recommendations to other states of Nigeria.

Global health, science and practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

By the same token, investors need to exercise caution.

The New York Times

However, you need to exercise caution as some have penalties attached.

The Guardian

The menu at the Sports Grille, billed as "110 percent American cuisine," relies heavily on game, and here diners need to exercise caution.

The New York Times

However, conditions on the ground are a sign that neighbours and donors need to exercise caution before they re-engage fully with the government.

The Guardian - Opinion

While private homeowners, including condominium owners, are pretty much able to do whatever they want with their home or apartment, rental tenants and tenant-shareholders in co-op buildings may need to exercise caution when considering a vacation exchange.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we need to exercise caution" when you want to advise a careful approach, especially in situations involving uncertainty or potential risk. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional communication.

Common error

While "we need to exercise caution" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your language by using synonyms like "proceed with care" or "be vigilant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we need to exercise caution" functions as an advisory statement. It serves to highlight the importance of being careful and mindful in a given situation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we need to exercise caution" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for advising care and diligence in various situations. Ludwig confirms its validity. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, it's applicable across diverse scenarios where potential risks are present. Alternatives such as ""we should proceed with caution"" can add variety to your writing. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to avoid redundancy and ensure clear, impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we should proceed with caution

Changes the verb to 'proceed' to emphasize the act of moving forward carefully.

we must be careful

Uses a more direct and straightforward way to express the need for caution.

it is important to be cautious

Shifts the focus to the importance of being cautious, rather than the need.

prudence is advised

Replaces the entire phrase with a concise advisory of prudence.

careful consideration is necessary

Focuses on the necessity of careful consideration.

we ought to be circumspect

Employs a more formal and sophisticated term ('circumspect') for caution.

vigilance is required

Emphasizes the need for watchfulness and alertness.

let's tread carefully

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the need for caution.

we should take precautions

Suggests the act of taking preventative measures.

a degree of skepticism is warranted

Highlights the need to approach something with a critical and questioning mindset.

FAQs

How can I use "we need to exercise caution" in a sentence?

You can use "we need to exercise caution" to advise a careful approach in situations involving potential risks. For example, "Before implementing this new policy, "we need to exercise caution" and consider all possible outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "we need to exercise caution"?

You can use alternatives like "we should proceed with caution", "we must be careful", or "it is important to be cautious" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "we need to exercise caution" or "we need to take caution"?

"We need to exercise caution" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Take caution" is less idiomatic. It's better to use "we need to exercise caution" or "take precautions".

When is it appropriate to use "we need to exercise caution"?

It's appropriate to use "we need to exercise caution" in professional, academic, or formal contexts when you want to emphasize the importance of careful consideration and risk assessment before taking action. It is suitable for documents and conversations where a deliberate approach is necessary.