we should be wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we should be wary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising caution or alertness regarding a particular situation or issue. Example: "In light of recent events, we should be wary of making hasty decisions that could have long-term consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We should be wary, not pleased.

The Guardian

We should be wary of platitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

We should be wary of descriptions that are really predictions.

The New York Times

We should be wary of defining things out of existence.

The New York Times

We should be wary of imposing too much civility.

The New York Times - Magazine

But perhaps we should be wary of mass conversions.

The New York Times - Arts

But we should be wary of extrapolating from history.

The Guardian - Opinion

We should be wary of rushing headlong into more of the same.

Independent

They show that it is alcohol we should be wary of.

The Guardian

We should be wary of some of these claims, particularly on efficiency.

The Guardian

We should be wary and we should try to make amends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we should be wary", clearly state the specific reason for caution to avoid ambiguity and ensure the advice is actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "we should be wary" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or the specific reason for being wary to make the advice meaningful and relevant. For example, instead of just saying "we should be wary", specify "we should be wary of accepting unsolicited offers without proper verification".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should be wary" primarily functions as an advisory expression, suggesting caution or vigilance towards a particular situation, action, or idea. It serves to alert the audience to potential risks or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we should be wary" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise caution and vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from diverse sources like News & Media and Scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide context to specify the reason for caution. Alternatives like "we must exercise caution" or "caution is advised" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis. Avoiding overuse without context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we must exercise caution

Replaces "should be wary" with a more formal call to caution.

it's important to be cautious

Shifts the focus to the importance of caution, rather than a direct imperative.

caution is advised

Uses a passive construction to recommend caution.

we need to proceed with caution

Emphasizes the need for careful progress.

vigilance is necessary

Highlights the necessity of being vigilant.

we ought to be circumspect

Replaces "wary" with the more formal "circumspect", suggesting careful consideration.

prudence dictates caution

Suggests that caution is the most sensible course of action.

a degree of skepticism is warranted

Recommends a skeptical approach.

we had better watch out

Uses a more informal tone to express a need for caution.

it would be wise to be careful

Suggests that being careful is the wisest approach.

FAQs

How can I use "we should be wary" in a sentence?

You can use "we should be wary" to advise caution about something. For example, "We should be wary of accepting information at face value".

What's a more formal way to say "we should be wary"?

A more formal alternative to "we should be wary" is "we ought to be circumspect", which suggests careful consideration and watchfulness.

Is "we should be wary" the same as "we should be worried"?

While both suggest concern, "we should be wary" implies caution and vigilance, whereas "we should be worried" suggests anxiety or fear. They are not interchangeable.

What are some situations where "we should be wary" is appropriate?

"We should be wary" is appropriate when advising caution about potential risks, deception, or negative consequences, such as "We should be wary of scams" or "We should be wary of trusting unverified sources".