With certain caveats
Hedging expression to soften claims
字面意思: With specific warnings or conditions
Use it to give a cautious 'yes' while protecting yourself from being 100% responsible for the outcome.
15秒了解
- A way to add 'fine print' to your statements.
- Used to set conditions or warnings before agreeing.
- Helps you avoid making over-generalized or false claims.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious personal discussions.
意思
This phrase means you agree with something, but only if certain rules or conditions are met first. It is like saying 'Yes, but...' to protect yourself in case things go wrong.
关键例句
3 / 6Recommending a local restaurant
The pizza there is the best in town, with certain caveats regarding the slow service.
The pizza is great, but be warned that the service is slow.
Discussing a new software tool in a meeting
I think this app will solve our workflow issues, with certain caveats about the initial setup time.
This app is good, but setting it up will take a lot of time.
Texting a friend about a movie
You'll love the new Marvel movie, with certain caveats (it's 3 hours long!).
You'll like it, but remember it's very long.
文化背景
The phrase originates from the Latin legal maxim 'Caveat emptor' (let the buyer beware). In modern English, it has moved from the courtroom to the boardroom and coffee shop, reflecting a cultural shift toward cautious, evidence-based communication.
The 'But' Replacement
Use this phrase when you want to say 'but' without sounding negative or argumentative.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it too much in one meeting, you'll sound like you're afraid to commit to any opinion.
15秒了解
- A way to add 'fine print' to your statements.
- Used to set conditions or warnings before agreeing.
- Helps you avoid making over-generalized or false claims.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious personal discussions.
What It Means
Think of with certain caveats as a safety net for your words. It tells people that your statement isn't 100% true in every single situation. You are adding 'fine print' to your conversation. It is the verbal version of a contract's warning label. You are saying 'I believe this, but don't blame me if these specific exceptions happen.'
How To Use It
You usually drop this phrase at the end of a claim or a recommendation. It acts as a bridge to your list of conditions. For example, you might say a car is great with certain caveats. Then, you list the issues, like the bad gas mileage or the high price. It makes you sound thoughtful and balanced. It shows you have looked at all the angles, not just the good ones.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to give advice without taking full responsibility. It is perfect for professional meetings where you need to be precise. Use it when a friend asks for a restaurant recommendation that is good but expensive. It is great for tech reviews or discussing complex plans. It helps you avoid looking like an over-promiser. It is the ultimate tool for someone who wants to be honest but careful.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase during a romantic proposal or a deep apology. Saying 'I love you with certain caveats' is a fast way to end a relationship! Do not use it for simple, factual things like your phone number or your name. It can make you sound indecisive if you use it too much. If you use it for every single sentence, people will think you are hiding something. Keep it for when the conditions actually matter.
Cultural Background
The word caveat comes from Latin, meaning 'let him beware.' In English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, people value 'covering their backs.' We love to give opinions but hate being wrong. This phrase became popular in legal and academic circles before hitting daily life. It reflects a culture that loves nuance and detailed fine print. It is a very 'Western' way of being polite while remaining skeptical.
Common Variations
You might hear people say with a few caveats to sound more casual. Some might say with the caveat that... to lead directly into a specific rule. If someone is being very formal, they might say subject to certain caveats. In a very relaxed setting, you could just say with some strings attached. They all mean you are giving a 'conditional yes' rather than a 'total yes.'
使用说明
This expression sits comfortably in the C1/C2 level. It is highly effective in corporate or academic writing to show nuance and avoid 'all-or-nothing' thinking.
The 'But' Replacement
Use this phrase when you want to say 'but' without sounding negative or argumentative.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it too much in one meeting, you'll sound like you're afraid to commit to any opinion.
The Academic Secret
In English universities, using `caveats` makes your essays sound much more professional and critical.
例句
6The pizza there is the best in town, with certain caveats regarding the slow service.
The pizza is great, but be warned that the service is slow.
The speaker likes the food but wants to warn the friend about the wait.
I think this app will solve our workflow issues, with certain caveats about the initial setup time.
This app is good, but setting it up will take a lot of time.
Professional way to manage expectations about a project.
You'll love the new Marvel movie, with certain caveats (it's 3 hours long!).
You'll like it, but remember it's very long.
Using the phrase to highlight a potential downside in a casual way.
He's the perfect man, with certain caveats—like the fact that he still lives with 12 cats.
He's great, except for the 12 cats.
Using formal language to highlight a funny or absurd deal-breaker.
The surgery was a success, with certain caveats about the recovery period.
The surgery went well, but the recovery will be difficult.
Serious context where accuracy and warnings are vital.
We expect a 20% growth this year, with certain caveats based on market stability.
We expect growth, but only if the market stays stable.
Standard corporate hedging to avoid legal or financial blame.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the hedging expression.
I can help you move this weekend, with certain ___.
`Caveats` is the correct term for conditions or warnings in this context.
Complete the sentence to show a conditional agreement.
The plan is perfect, ___ certain caveats.
The preposition `with` is always used to introduce the caveats.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Scale of 'With Certain Caveats'
But there's a catch...
It's free, but there's a catch.
With some conditions
I'll go with some conditions.
With certain caveats
The data is valid, with certain caveats.
Subject to aforementioned provisos
The contract is binding subject to provisos.
When to add a Caveat
Job Offer
I accept, with certain caveats about my hours.
Travel Advice
Paris is lovely, with certain caveats about the crowds.
Tech Review
The laptop is fast, with certain caveats about battery life.
Lending Money
I'll lend it, with certain caveats on when you pay me back.
常见问题
10 个问题It is very common in professional and educated circles. You will hear it often in news reports, business meetings, and university lectures.
Yes, but it might sound a bit 'fancy' or ironic. It's great for giving a serious warning about something funny, like He's a great cook, with certain caveats regarding his kitchen hygiene.
A condition is a rule that *must* happen. A caveat is more of a 'warning' or a 'limitation' on a statement.
It is usually pronounced 'KAV-ee-oht' or 'KAV-ee-at.' Both are widely accepted.
Absolutely! If you only have one specific warning, saying with one caveat is actually more precise.
No, you can have one caveat or many caveats. Use certain caveats when you have a few points to make.
Not necessarily. It sounds 'cautious.' It shows you are being honest about potential downsides.
It is perfect for emails! It helps you clarify your position without sounding like you are making excuses.
They are similar, but strings attached usually implies a hidden cost or a favor you'll owe later. Caveats are just informational warnings.
Don't say with certain caveats of.... Use with certain caveats regarding... or with the caveat that... instead.
相关表达
With a grain of salt
To not take something too seriously or literally.
Terms and conditions apply
The formal way of saying there are rules to a deal.
With strings attached
A deal that comes with hidden requirements or obligations.
Qualified agreement
Agreeing only to certain parts of a proposal.
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