There is warrant for caution
Hedging expression to soften claims
Literalmente: There is a justification for being careful
Use this phrase to provide a logical, professional justification for being skeptical or careful in any situation.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to suggest being careful.
- Used to justify skepticism with facts.
- Softens a warning to sound more professional.
- Perfect for business, academic, or serious advice.
Significado
This phrase is a polite way to say 'we should be careful' or 'don't get too excited yet.' It suggests there are good reasons to stay alert or skeptical about a situation.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Reviewing a business proposal
The growth numbers look great, but there is warrant for caution regarding the supply chain.
The numbers are good, but we should be careful about the supply chain.
Discussing medical results
While the initial tests are clear, there is warrant for caution until the final results arrive.
Tests look okay, but let's stay careful until we know for sure.
Giving advice to a friend about a date
He seems nice, but given his history, there is warrant for caution.
He's nice, but maybe don't trust him completely yet.
Contexto cultural
This phrase is deeply rooted in the Anglo-American tradition of 'hedging,' where speakers avoid making absolute claims to remain credible. It gained significant traction in 20th-century academic and legal discourse as a way to express skepticism without being confrontational.
The 'But' Bridge
This phrase works best after a 'but.' Start with something positive, then use `but there is warrant for caution` to introduce the risk.
Don't over-use 'Warrant'
In everyday English, `warrant` is usually a noun (a legal document). Using it as 'justification' is specific to these types of formal phrases.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to suggest being careful.
- Used to justify skepticism with facts.
- Softens a warning to sound more professional.
- Perfect for business, academic, or serious advice.
What It Means
Think of there is warrant for caution as a yellow traffic light. It means you have a valid reason to slow down. The word warrant acts like a permission slip or a justification. You aren't just being paranoid. You have facts that suggest things might go wrong. It is a sophisticated way to say 'hold your horses.'
How To Use It
You use this when you want to sound objective. Instead of saying 'I'm scared,' you say this. It shifts the focus from your feelings to the facts. You can use it at the start of a sentence. For example, There is warrant for caution regarding the new schedule. It sounds very professional and balanced. It’s perfect for when you need to be the 'adult in the room.'
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when a plan looks too good to be true. Use it when reading news that seems exaggerated. It is great for academic writing or business reports. If a friend wants to invest all their money in a cat-themed cryptocurrency, say this. It makes your warning sound like expert advice rather than a buzzkill. It’s the ultimate 'polite skeptic' tool.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if a building is on fire. In emergencies, just yell 'Run!' or 'Watch out!' It is too slow for high-stakes physical danger. Avoid it in very casual settings like a loud bar. Your friends might think you've swallowed a dictionary. Also, don't use it if you are 100% certain of a disaster. This phrase implies a 'maybe,' not a 'definitely.'
Cultural Background
This expression comes from legal and philosophical traditions. In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and US, 'hedging' is a sign of intelligence. It shows you don't jump to conclusions. It reflects a cultural value of 'understatement.' We often prefer to sound slightly unsure rather than overconfident and wrong. It’s the linguistic version of a safety net.
Common Variations
Reason for caution(more common/neutral)Cause for concern(slightly more negative)Room for doubt(focuses on the uncertainty)Call for prudence(very formal and old-fashioned)Justification for wariness(very specific and heavy)
Notas de uso
This is a high-register expression. Use it when you want to sound authoritative, objective, or intellectually cautious. Avoid it in high-energy, casual, or emergency situations.
The 'But' Bridge
This phrase works best after a 'but.' Start with something positive, then use `but there is warrant for caution` to introduce the risk.
Don't over-use 'Warrant'
In everyday English, `warrant` is usually a noun (a legal document). Using it as 'justification' is specific to these types of formal phrases.
The British Understatement
British speakers love this phrase because it allows them to say 'this is a disaster' without sounding dramatic or rude.
Ejemplos
6The growth numbers look great, but there is warrant for caution regarding the supply chain.
The numbers are good, but we should be careful about the supply chain.
Used to temper enthusiasm with a specific concern.
While the initial tests are clear, there is warrant for caution until the final results arrive.
Tests look okay, but let's stay careful until we know for sure.
Provides a balanced view of a sensitive situation.
He seems nice, but given his history, there is warrant for caution.
He's nice, but maybe don't trust him completely yet.
A polite way to warn a friend without sounding judgmental.
The peace treaty is signed, yet there is warrant for caution among the local population.
The treaty is done, but people are still rightfully careful.
Used in a serious, analytical context.
A 90% discount on a brand-new car? I think there is warrant for caution here.
That price is suspicious; we should be careful.
Using formal language to highlight how ridiculous a situation is.
The sun is out, but the forecast says there is warrant for caution if you're driving north.
It's sunny here, but be careful driving north.
Elevates a simple warning to something more authoritative.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the professional warning.
The market is volatile, so there is ___ for caution.
In this context, 'warrant' means justification or a valid reason.
Identify the correct preposition used with this phrase.
There is warrant ___ caution regarding the new policy.
The standard idiomatic expression is 'warrant for' something.
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Formality of Cautionary Phrases
Used with friends
Watch out!
Standard warning
Be careful.
Professional setting
There is warrant for caution.
Legal/Academic
Prudence is warranted.
Where to use 'Warrant for Caution'
Boardroom Meeting
Discussing risks
Scientific Report
Interpreting data
Financial Advice
Stock market tips
Serious Friendship
Giving life advice
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntasNot exclusively, but it is most common in professional, academic, or journalistic settings where objective language is preferred.
In this context, warrant means 'justification' or 'valid reason.' It implies that your caution is based on evidence.
Usually, we omit the 'a.' Saying there is warrant for caution sounds more like an abstract concept, which is more common in high-level English.
It is a much more formal version. Be careful is an instruction; there is warrant for caution is an observation of a situation.
Only if you are being slightly ironic or talking about something very serious. Otherwise, it might sound too stiff for a quick chat.
You could say there is cause for optimism or there is no reason for concern.
No, it is actually very diplomatic. It avoids blaming anyone and focuses on the situation itself.
It is used in both, though it fits the 'understated' style of British English particularly well.
Yes! You can say The situation warrants caution. This is also very common and slightly more direct.
Yes, because it requires understanding 'hedging' and using abstract nouns like warrant in a non-legal sense.
Confusing it with a 'police warrant.' If you say 'I have a warrant for caution,' people might think you are a very strange police officer!
Frases relacionadas
Exercise prudence
A very formal way to say 'be wise and careful.'
Proceed with care
A standard instruction to move forward slowly and safely.
Cause for concern
A reason to be worried about something.
Red flag
An informal idiom for a warning sign.
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