What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wary
Example
She was wary of strangers and always kept her guard up. [wary: adjective]
Example
He approached the abandoned building with a wary eye, unsure of what he might find inside. [wary: noun]
alert
Example
The security guard remained alert throughout the night, watching for any suspicious activity. [alert: adjective]
Example
The emergency broadcast system issued an alert for a severe storm approaching the area. [alert: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alert is more commonly used than wary in everyday language. Alert is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wary is less common and is typically used in situations where there is a lack of trust or uncertainty.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wary and alert?
Both wary and alert can be used in formal and informal contexts, but alert is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including professional settings.
