words of caution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "words of caution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide advice or warnings about potential risks or issues in a particular situation. Example: "Before you proceed with the investment, here are some words of caution: make sure to thoroughly research the market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some words of caution are in order.

The New York Times

There were words of caution, too.

The New York Times

The words of caution don't end there.

The Guardian

Yet there were also words of caution.

The Guardian

It offers encouragement, advice, and words of caution.

The Guardian - Books

But while members were supportive, several offered words of caution.

The New York Times

Business coaches have words of caution for office partygoers.

The New York Times

A couple of words of caution are in order.

The Guardian - Business

Even so, a few words of caution are in order.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Mr. MacKenzie had some words of caution for NBC.

The New York Times

That brings us to those words of caution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "words of caution" to temper enthusiasm or optimism, providing a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "words of caution" to state the obvious. Ensure that the cautions you provide offer new insights or perspectives, rather than merely repeating common knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "words of caution" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that advice or warnings are about to be given. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "words of caution" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce warnings or advice across a range of contexts. According to Ludwig AI, its function is to alert the audience to potential risks and encourage thoughtful consideration. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using "words of caution", it's best to be specific and actionable, avoiding obvious statements. Alternatives include "caveats" and "warnings", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warnings

This alternative directly conveys a sense of potential danger or negative consequences.

precautionary advice

This alternative highlights the proactive nature of the advice.

caveats

This alternative is more concise and refers to specific conditions or limitations.

advisory notes

This alternative emphasizes the informational aspect of the caution.

admonitions

This alternative suggests a more formal and serious warning.

points of concern

This alternative focuses on the issues that warrant caution.

provisos

This alternative refers to specific stipulations or conditions that need to be considered.

red flags

This alternative uses a metaphor to indicate potential problems.

alerts

This alternative indicates immediate or urgent awareness of a potential risk.

heedful reminders

This alternative emphasizes the importance of remembering key considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "words of caution" to introduce a warning or advice, like "Before you invest, here are some "words of caution" about the market's volatility".

What is a formal alternative to "words of caution"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "precautionary advice", "heedful reminders" or "points of concern" instead of "words of caution".

When should I use "words of caution"?

Use "words of caution" when you want to temper enthusiasm or optimism with a balanced perspective, providing advice about potential risks or issues.

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

"Words of caution" are generally used to offer advice or to be careful, whereas "words of warning" typically indicate a more immediate or severe threat.