with caution

USAGE SUMMARY

"with caution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to emphasize that you are recommending someone proceed with care and thoughtfulness. For example, "Test out the new feature with caution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, proceed with caution.

The New York Times

Daniels: With caution, yes.

The New York Times

So proceed with caution.

The New York Times

[With caution] …Right.

The Guardian - Sport

However, proceed with caution.

Forbes

Invest With Caution.

Forbes

Approach With Caution.

Forbes

Please proceed with caution.

TechCrunch

Tread with caution.

TechCrunch

Just proceed with caution.

Vice

I proceeded with caution.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with caution" to advise a measured and thoughtful approach, especially when potential risks or negative outcomes are present.

Common error

Avoid using "with caution" in overly casual settings, as it can sound stilted. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "be careful" or "take it easy" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with caution" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and indicating the manner in which an action should be performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it advises a measured and thoughtful approach. It highlights the importance of being careful and attentive to potential risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

34%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with caution" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that advises a thoughtful and measured approach, especially when potential risks are involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news articles to how-to guides, emphasizing its relevance in diverse situations. While alternatives such as "carefully" and "prudently" exist, "with caution" provides a distinct emphasis on the potential for danger. The phrase serves as a reminder to consider consequences and plan accordingly before acting, contributing to more informed and safer decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with care and forethought

This alternative expands the phrase, adding emphasis on planning and anticipation.

carefully

This is a shorter, single-word alternative, focusing on the manner of action.

prudently

This alternative emphasizes wisdom and sound judgment in the approach.

circumspectly

This option highlights being wary and unwilling to take risks.

gingerly

This word suggests a delicate or hesitant approach, often due to fear of causing harm.

warily

This option stresses a sense of distrust or suspicion.

mindfully

This suggests being aware of the potential consequences of one's actions.

on guard

This conveys a state of readiness to avoid potential danger.

deliberately

This means acting intentionally and thoughtfully, rather than impulsively.

discreetly

This highlights the importance of avoiding attention or unwanted consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "with caution" in a sentence?

You can use "with caution" to advise someone to be careful and thoughtful in their approach. For example, "Approach the negotiation "with caution"".

What are some alternatives to saying "with caution"?

You can use alternatives like "carefully", "prudently", or "circumspectly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to proceed "with caution"?

No, proceeding "with caution" is particularly relevant when there are known or suspected risks involved. In situations where the potential for harm is minimal, a more direct approach might be suitable.

What's the difference between "with caution" and "cautiously"?

"With caution" is a prepositional phrase, while "cautiously" is an adverb. While they both convey a similar meaning, "with caution" is often used to modify a verb, whereas "cautiously" describes how an action is performed. Example: "Proceed "with caution"" vs. "Proceed "cautiously"".