In 15 Seconds
- Doing something with maximum attention and gentleness.
- Used to show you are being professional or very cautious.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'take' or 'handle'.
Meaning
This phrase means doing something with extreme attention and focus. It is like being extra gentle or careful to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Key Examples
3 of 6Handling an old photo
Please take great care with this photo; it is the only one I have of my grandmother.
Please take great care with this photo; it is the only one I have of my grandmother.
Writing a professional report
We took great care to ensure all the data in the report was accurate.
We took great care to ensure all the data in the report was accurate.
Giving a friend a fragile gift
I carried your birthday cake with great care so the frosting wouldn't melt!
I carried your birthday cake with great care so the frosting wouldn't melt!
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'great care' is often used in public safety announcements (e.g., 'Please take great care when alighting from the train'). It sounds polite but firm. In US corporate culture, 'taking great care' is a 'power phrase' used to demonstrate accountability and high standards to clients. When translating from Japanese, 'great care' is the best way to capture the spirit of 'Omotenashi' (wholehearted hospitality) in service contexts. In the global art world, this phrase is the standard for describing the preservation of cultural heritage.
Use it in Emails
When sending a sensitive document, write: 'I have taken great care to ensure all details are accurate.' It builds instant trust.
No 'A'
Remember: 'with great care', NOT 'with a great care'. This is the most common mistake for B1 students.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing something with maximum attention and gentleness.
- Used to show you are being professional or very cautious.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'take' or 'handle'.
What It Means
Great care is all about going the extra mile. It means you aren't just being careful. You are being extremely careful. Think of it like holding a tiny, sleeping kitten. You wouldn't just hold it; you would use great care to not wake it up. It implies a sense of responsibility and high quality.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase with the verb take. You can say, "I took great care with the project." You can also use it with verbs like handle or treat. It acts like a powerful adverb. It tells people that you really respect the object or person you are talking about. It shows you are a professional or a very kind person.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. Use it when you are talking about fragile things like glass. Use it when talking about sensitive feelings. It's perfect for a job interview. Tell them you take great care with your work. It makes you sound reliable and detail-oriented. Use it when giving a gift that is very expensive or old.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, boring tasks. If you are just brushing your teeth, don't say you use great care. That sounds a bit dramatic! Avoid it in very fast, messy situations. If you are rushing to catch a bus, you aren't taking great care. It’s a slow, intentional phrase. Using it for laundry might make your friends laugh at you.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is tied to the idea of craftsmanship. It comes from a history of artisans and doctors. It suggests that the person doing the action is an expert. It’s a very positive thing to say about someone’s work ethic. It shows you value quality over speed. In the UK and US, it's often seen in museum signs or high-end product manuals.
Common Variations
You might hear people say utmost care for even more intensity. Some might say extra care in casual settings. With care is the basic version. Handle with care is the classic warning on shipping boxes. If you want to sound very fancy, you can say meticulous care. But great care is the perfect middle ground for everyone.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any context. Just remember to pair it with 'take' or 'with' to sound natural.
Use it in Emails
When sending a sensitive document, write: 'I have taken great care to ensure all details are accurate.' It builds instant trust.
No 'A'
Remember: 'with great care', NOT 'with a great care'. This is the most common mistake for B1 students.
The 'Fragile' Connection
If you see a box labeled 'Fragile', the unspoken instruction is 'Handle with great care'.
Examples
6Please take great care with this photo; it is the only one I have of my grandmother.
Please take great care with this photo; it is the only one I have of my grandmother.
Shows emotional value and the need for physical gentleness.
We took great care to ensure all the data in the report was accurate.
We took great care to ensure all the data in the report was accurate.
Demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
I carried your birthday cake with great care so the frosting wouldn't melt!
I carried your birthday cake with great care so the frosting wouldn't melt!
A friendly way to show you put effort into something for them.
The surgeons took great care during the procedure.
The surgeons took great care during the procedure.
Very formal and reassuring context.
Don't worry, I'll take great care of your car while you're away.
Don't worry, I'll take great care of your car while you're away.
Informal promise of responsibility.
Please take great care not to trip over your own feet today!
Please take great care not to trip over your own feet today!
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
The surgeon performed the operation with _______ _______.
We don't use 'a' with 'care' in this context, and 'big' is not the standard collocation.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
We use 'with' for the object of our care.
Fill in the missing line.
Mover: 'Where should I put this box of mirrors?' Owner: 'Over there, but please _______.'
'Handle it with great care' is the standard instruction for fragile items.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which situation best fits 'taking great care to avoid a mistake'?
Entering a password requires precision and attention to detail.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Great Care
Physical
- • Antiques
- • Babies
- • Electronics
Emotional
- • Secrets
- • Bad News
- • Apologies
Professional
- • Coding
- • Surgery
- • Legal Contracts
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe surgeon performed the operation with _______ _______.
We don't use 'a' with 'care' in this context, and 'big' is not the standard collocation.
Choose the best option:
We use 'with' for the object of our care.
Mover: 'Where should I put this box of mirrors?' Owner: 'Over there, but please _______.'
'Handle it with great care' is the standard instruction for fragile items.
Which situation best fits 'taking great care to avoid a mistake'?
Entering a password requires precision and attention to detail.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is more formal than 'being careful'. It is perfect for work and writing.
Yes, but 'great care' is much more common as a fixed phrase.
'Utmost care' is even stronger. It means the absolute maximum care possible.
'Take care of' means to look after (like a pet). 'Take care with' means to be precise with an object.
Yes, you can handle a person's feelings with great care.
Yes, 'big care' sounds very unnatural. Always use 'great'.
Use 'took': 'I took great care with the project.'
Yes, that is a more informal way to say the same thing.
Very often. Doctors 'exercise great care' during procedures.
'Carelessness' or 'negligence'.
Related Phrases
handle with care
similarA specific instruction for fragile items.
take care
builds onA way to say goodbye or be safe.
meticulous attention
synonymExtreme focus on small details.
tender loving care
specialized formCare provided with affection (TLC).
utmost care
specialized formThe highest possible level of care.
