word of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "word of caution" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is often used to refer to a warning or advice given by someone. For example: I have a word of caution for anyone planning to take the same route - be sure to leave early to avoid traffic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One word of caution.

University of California, Berkeley

One word of caution here.

The New York Times

Yet a word of caution.

The New York Times - Arts

A final word of caution.

Nature

Gavin Andresen offered a word of caution.

The New Yorker

But first, a word of caution.

The New York Times - Tech

Another word of caution here, though.

The New Yorker

But he offered a word of caution.

The New York Times - Sports

One word of caution is in order.

The New York Times - Science

Lord Bhattacharyya sounded a word of caution.

The Guardian

One closing word of caution, though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "word of caution" to introduce a potential risk or problem that the audience should be aware of. This helps to prepare them for making informed decisions.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "word of caution". This can make your writing repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing using synonyms like "note of caution" or directly stating the warning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word of caution" functions as an introductory element, specifically designed to alert the audience to a potential risk, problem, or consideration. It prepares the reader for advice that aims to mitigate negative outcomes. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis that it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "word of caution" is a frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a warning or advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression. It appears most commonly in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for various professional settings. When using this phrase, be mindful to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "note of caution" for variety. The primary goal is to alert the audience to a potential risk and guide them towards making informed decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

note of caution

Replaces "word" with "note", suggesting a slightly more formal or subtle warning.

a note of warning

This alternative is a more emphatic way to issue a warning.

caveat

Introduces a specific condition or limitation to be considered.

a cautionary remark

Emphasizes the act of making a cautious observation or statement.

warning sign

Focuses on an indicator suggesting potential danger or problems.

point of concern

Highlights a particular aspect that warrants attention or worry.

reason for concern

Emphasizes the justification behind feeling worried or apprehensive.

something to consider

Offers a more neutral suggestion for careful thought.

thing to remember

Highlights a piece of information that should not be forgotten, often implying a potential pitfall if ignored.

piece of advice

Offers general guidance, which may or may not be directly related to avoiding risk.

FAQs

What does "word of caution" mean?

A "word of caution" is an expression used to introduce a warning or piece of advice, typically intended to prevent someone from experiencing negative consequences.

How can I use "word of caution" in a sentence?

You can use "word of caution" to preface a warning or advice. For example, "A "word of caution": do not take this step lightly."

Which is a more formal alternative to "word of caution"?

A more formal alternative could be "note of caution" or "cautionary remark", which sound slightly more elevated in tone.

What's the difference between "word of caution" and "word of warning"?

"Word of caution" is a general advisory to be careful, while "word of warning" typically implies a more imminent or severe potential negative outcome.