with the utmost caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with the utmost caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the need for extreme care or carefulness in a particular situation. Example: "When handling hazardous materials, it is essential to proceed with the utmost caution to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Any new protocol must be approached with the utmost caution.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They should be urged to use pesticides only with the utmost caution".

The New York Times

That's why I'd like us to proceed with the utmost caution".

The New Yorker

The government must proceed with the utmost caution and Labour will watch carefully to ensure the correct balance is achieved".

The Guardian

In its response to Mr. Schmidt, CBS said it was treating the material with the utmost caution.

The New York Times

That is one of the questions that Forna approaches with the utmost caution in an ambitious and deeply researched novel – and the answers she finds are never easy.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Wright is to this team what Piazza was nine years ago — the face of the organization — and the Mets are unlikely to treat him with anything but the utmost caution.

The New York Times - Sports

We urge you to exercise the utmost caution in your dealings with Brazil's interim authorities and to refrain from statements or actions that might be interpreted as supportive of the impeachment campaign launched against President Dilma Rousseff.

HuffPost

Always exercise the utmost caution when undertaking crafts and activities with children, particularly when making use of small or sharp objects, paint and glue, scissors and the like.

WikiHow

Since antiquity it had been known that the use of mercury necessitated the utmost caution.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Certain life-altering contracts, though, deserve to be treated with the utmost care and caution, no matter the medium.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "with the utmost caution" with verbs that indicate action or decision-making, such as "proceed", "handle", or "approach", to clearly convey how caution should be applied.

Common error

Avoid using "with the utmost caution" in contexts where a lower degree of care is adequate. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere. Use alternatives such as "carefully" or "with care" when the situation doesn't warrant extreme caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the utmost caution" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase qualifies verbs such as "proceed", "handle", and "approach".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with the utmost caution" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that advises care and vigilance. Ludwig AI demonstrates its prevalence in various contexts, especially News & Media and Science, highlighting its function to emphasize serious consideration. While it's generally neutral in tone, it leans towards formality. Remember to use it judiciously and avoid overuse in situations where less intense caution is needed. Alternatives such as "with extreme care" or "with great prudence" can also be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with extreme care

Emphasizes the high degree of care taken.

with great prudence

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment applied.

with exceptional diligence

Focuses on the thoroughness and persistence involved.

with extraordinary vigilance

Stresses the attentiveness and watchfulness maintained.

with meticulous attention

Highlights the detailed and precise approach.

with heightened awareness

Emphasizes the increased level of consciousness and perception.

with careful consideration

Highlights the thoughtful and deliberate approach.

with circumspect handling

Stresses the careful and guarded management.

with thoughtful deliberation

Emphasizes the careful and prolonged consideration.

with a measured approach

Highlights the controlled and deliberate method.

FAQs

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

Use "with the utmost caution" to emphasize the need for extreme care or carefulness in a particular situation. For example: "When handling sensitive data, you must proceed "with the utmost caution"."

What are some alternatives to "with the utmost caution"?

You can use alternatives like "with extreme care", "with great prudence", or "with exceptional diligence" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "with the utmost caution"?

It's appropriate when advising about situations with potential for significant negative consequences if care is not taken, or when there are heightened risks or sensitivities involved. Consider using something like "with care" if the situation doesn't warrant extreme caution.

Is "with the utmost caution" formal or informal?

The phrase "with the utmost caution" leans towards the formal side, suggesting seriousness. In more informal contexts, one might use simpler terms like "be very careful" or "watch out".