In life there are times when we have to warn people about all sorts of things. We might need to warn someone to avoid taking too many risks, for e.g, if they are climbing up a ladder you might warn them to be safe. We often see formal notices around us that act as warnings about dangers or warnings to us telling not to do something.
I’ve categorized these expressions under the different scenarios that we could find ourselves in, take a look.
Take care-
It’s the most common phrase used by all of us which means you are asking someone to cautious. Take care on the roads. They are really greasy. I often use this expression when I say goodbye to people.
Look out or Watch out –
These are the phrases used to warn people. Asking them to be alert, for example
- “Look out! There’s a car coming.”
- “Watch out! The pavement is slippery.”
Easy does it –
This phrase means to move slowly and carefully. For example
- The stairs are quite steep
- Easy does it going down the stairs, Mom
Steady !
Its is an exclamation andused as a warning to keep calm or take care, For example,
- “Steady now! We don’t want you hurting yourself”
Better safe than sorry (spoken) It is a proverb
This means to be probably more desirable than risking a bad result , for example
- Concerned about the attacks, he sent his son out of the village, figuring, better safe than sorry.
You can’t be too careful
This phrase is used to warn somebody that they should take care to avoid danger or problems. For example-
- Don’t stay out in the sun for too long—you can’t be too careful.
- You can’t be too careful to make friends.
Beware –
It means be cautious and alert to risks or dangers. You also see sign boards saying ‘BEWARE’ they are simply warning you. For example,
- Beware of Dogs
- Beware of wife
Be careful –
This expression is an instruction to take care in a particular situation. It is a way of saying good-bye while cautioning someone to take care.
Enjoy the lesson!