Collocations for "careful"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "careful" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
careful
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- a careful [person, man, woman, child]
- a careful [thought, look, glance]
- careful [attention, consideration, examination, study, planning]
- after careful [consideration, deliberation]
- be careful when you [cross, drive, run]
- be careful with the [chemicals, wires, glasses]
- be careful with that!
- be careful at [work, the factory, home]
- be careful in the [laboratory, match, kitchen]
- am always careful to [avoid, make, keep, ensure]
- be careful not to [damage, hurt, break]
- careful you don't [drop, spill]
- be careful [crossing] the road
- be careful about [using, saying, operating]
- be careful about what you [say, do] (to)
- be more careful [next time, in future]
- (try to) be [more, extra, especially] careful
- couldn't have been more careful
- (please) be careful!
'careful' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
anger
- better
- blade
- blister
- brain
- brittle
- burn
- cautious
- claw
- concrete
- cross
- deceitful
- detail
- diagnosis
- diligent
- direction
- dish
- dresser
- drop
- dubious
- especially
- execution
- expose
- flimsy
- fragile
- grill
- herring
- hive
- how
- icy
- inspection
- it
- ivy
- jellyfish
- management
- manifold
- mismatch
- planning
- please
- search
- sharp
- smudge
- stitches
- stroke
- think
- thorn
- trap
- wake
- wire