Significado
Used to advise someone to be cautious or watchful.
Contexto cultural
In the US, 'Be careful' is often used by parents as a constant background noise. It reflects a culture that is highly focused on safety and litigation avoidance. The British often use 'Mind...' instead of 'Be careful'. 'Mind the gap' on the London Underground is the most famous example. Australians might use 'Watch out' or 'Steady on' in casual settings. 'Be careful' is used, but often followed by 'mate'. In international business, 'Be careful' is a 'soft' way to give a warning without sounding like a bossy superior. It frames the warning as helpful advice.
The 'With' Rule
Always use 'with' when talking about objects you are holding, like knives, glasses, or phones.
Don't be a Nag
Saying 'be careful' too often to native speakers can make you sound like you don't trust them.
Significado
Used to advise someone to be cautious or watchful.
The 'With' Rule
Always use 'with' when talking about objects you are holding, like knives, glasses, or phones.
Don't be a Nag
Saying 'be careful' too often to native speakers can make you sound like you don't trust them.
Tone Matters
A short, loud 'Be careful!' is for danger. A long, soft 'Be caaaareful' is for gentle advice.
British 'Mind'
If you are in London, you will hear 'Mind' much more than 'Be careful'. They mean the same thing!
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
Be careful _______ the broken glass on the floor.
We use 'of' to warn about a specific object or danger that exists.
Fill in the missing word.
Please be careful _______ not wake the baby.
We use 'to' + base verb (infinitive) to express the action we should be careful about.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits best when someone is carrying a heavy, expensive TV?
We use 'with' for objects that someone is handling or using.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm going for a hike in the mountains. B: ________! It might rain later.
In English, we use the imperative 'Be' + the adjective 'careful'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to Be Careful
Physical
- • Wet floors
- • Hot stoves
- • Traffic
Digital
- • Passwords
- • Strange links
- • Social media
Social
- • Secrets
- • Boss's mood
- • Sensitive topics
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosBe careful _______ the broken glass on the floor.
We use 'of' to warn about a specific object or danger that exists.
Please be careful _______ not wake the baby.
We use 'to' + base verb (infinitive) to express the action we should be careful about.
Which phrase fits best when someone is carrying a heavy, expensive TV?
We use 'with' for objects that someone is handling or using.
A: I'm going for a hike in the mountains. B: ________! It might rain later.
In English, we use the imperative 'Be' + the adjective 'careful'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt's better to say 'Be careful of' or 'Be careful with'. 'For' is rarely used here.
Yes, it's in the imperative mood, but it's usually seen as helpful advice rather than a bossy order.
'Watch out' is for immediate danger (like a falling rock). 'Be careful' is for general caution.
Yes, but 'Please exercise caution' or 'We advise care' sounds more professional in writing.
Use 'to' before a verb (Be careful to lock...) and 'of' before a noun (Be careful of the dog).
No. 'Careful' is an adjective describing the person. 'Carefully' is an adverb describing an action (e.g., 'Walk carefully').
Yes, it is generally considered a kind and helpful thing to say.
It's the same: 'Everyone, be careful!'
There isn't a direct phrase, but 'Be reckless' or 'Don't worry about it' are opposites in meaning.
Yes, like 'Be careful with her feelings.'
No, 'Take care' is usually a goodbye. 'Be careful' is a warning.
In emergencies, people shorten it to just one word for speed.
Frases relacionadas
Watch out
synonymImmediate warning of danger.
Take care
similarA way to say goodbye.
Heads up
similarA proactive warning or piece of info.
Mind yourself
synonymBe careful (Irish/Scottish English).
Proceed with caution
formalMove forward carefully.
Look alive
similarBe alert and ready.
