I prescribe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I prescribe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a medical or therapeutic context when a professional is recommending a treatment or medication to a patient. Example: "After evaluating your symptoms, I prescribe a course of antibiotics to help with your infection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I prescribe generic medications and take them myself.

The New York Times

I prescribe Sheenagh Pugh's What is This Road?

The Guardian - Books

Would I "prescribe" it for a seriously ill infant?

The New York Times

I've pledged to taste a variety of the paediatric medicines I prescribe.

The Guardian

If I prescribe her a homeopathic remedy, I quite simply deprive her of the latter.

The Guardian - Opinion

I prescribe an evening in the hair-raising company of "Blasted".

The New York Times

"For hysterical maidens," he wrote, "I prescribe marriage, for they are cured by pregnancy".

The New Yorker

"I prescribe exercise for a lot of my patients," Dr. Evans said.

The New York Times - Health

"For patients who are worried about Kellyanne Conway coming back, I prescribe mindfulness," Logsdon said.

The New Yorker

When I prescribe smoking cessation aids, my patients purchase them from the very stores that sell their cigarettes.

The New York Times

Years later, that case still makes me think harder about every test I order and every medication I prescribe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I prescribe", ensure the context aligns with providing a solution or recommendation, whether it's medical, therapeutic, or advisory.

Common error

Avoid using "I prescribe" in casual conversation where a simpler recommendation like "I suggest" or "I recommend" would be more appropriate. "I prescribe" carries a tone of authority that may sound overly formal in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I prescribe" functions as a performative utterance, where the speaker enacts the act of prescribing through the very act of speaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and common, particularly when a person in authority offers a recommendation or course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I prescribe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in medical and advisory contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct. While it primarily functions as a performative utterance to offer a recommendation or directive, the level of formality can vary. In more casual settings, alternatives like "I recommend" or "I suggest" may be more appropriate. The most authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the phrase's tone aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recommend

This alternative is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "I prescribe" in less formal settings.

I advise

This alternative is broader, covering general guidance rather than specific treatments.

I suggest

This alternative is less authoritative, offering a gentle recommendation.

I order

This alternative implies a directive or command, often in a medical context.

My recommendation is

This alternative rephrases the sentence to focus on the recommendation itself.

I advocate

This alternative suggests strong support for a particular action or treatment.

I endorse

This alternative implies formal approval or support.

I urge

This alternative conveys a strong request or encouragement.

It's my prescription to

This alternative is an idiomatic way to express a solution or remedy.

I offer as a solution

This alternative highlights the providing of a solution, rather than a medical prescription.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I prescribe"?

You can use alternatives like "I recommend", "I suggest", or "I advise" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "I prescribe"?

While grammatically correct, "I prescribe" is most suitable when offering a formal recommendation, especially in medical or professional contexts. In casual settings, consider using softer alternatives.

How does the meaning of "I prescribe" differ from "I suggest"?

"I prescribe" typically implies a more authoritative or expert recommendation, often in a professional capacity, while "I suggest" is a gentler, less forceful recommendation.

Can "I prescribe" be used outside of medical contexts?

Yes, "I prescribe" can be used metaphorically to recommend a non-medical solution or course of action, but ensure the context maintains a degree of formality or expertise.