Words / B2

bi-WAIR/bɪˈweə/

Beware means be careful of something dangerous: beware of; beware + -ing. It is used especially on signs and in warnings, often without a full subject. Watch out is everyday; heed is formal. Beware of the named hazard on the H&S sign; still quote the control measure. Mix-up: beware vs aware; beware vs wear; do not write beware for a past event that already happened with no warning left.

Meaning

To be careful of something dangerous (beware of); used especially in warnings.

Examples

• “Beware of the named hazard on the H&S sign; still quote the control measure.”
• “Beware of overclaiming in the methods brief, which is the academic-warning sense — still name the limit.”

Good to know

beware of; beware + -ing. Everyday: watch out. Trap: aware / a past accident with no remaining warning. H&S and citizenship. A warning to be careful — name the hazard and the control.

Near in meaning

watch out, look out, heed

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