careful
Be careful with that glass—it’s very fragile.
The speaker is advising someone to handle something gently to prevent damage.
taking care to avoid potential problems or mistakes
She was careful not to spill the coffee on the carpet.
She acted cautiously to prevent an accident.
He made a careful plan before starting the project.
His plan was detailed and well-thought-out.
Often used with 'about,' 'with,' or 'not to' to specify the action being avoided.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Common collocations
Use 'careful' with prepositions like 'with,' 'about,' or 'not to' to clarify what you're cautioning against. For example: 'Be careful with your words' or 'Be careful not to wake the baby.'
Gold Rule
Position in sentences
As an adjective, 'careful' usually comes before the noun it describes (e.g., 'a careful driver') or after linking verbs like 'be' (e.g., 'She is careful').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'curful,' meaning 'full of care,' derived from Old English 'caru' (care) + '-ful' (full of).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in advice or warnings. Often paired with modal verbs like 'be,' 'must,' or 'should.'