Think prudently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Think prudently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to consider their decisions carefully and wisely, often in a context where caution is needed. Example: "Before making any investments, it's essential to think prudently about the potential risks and rewards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And I think the fact that some of us think prudently is because we're worried about the implications.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Living away may not be appropriate for everyone, but the option should be thought through prudently and the pros and cons thoroughly weighed up.

The Guardian

He assured investors that these investments were "prudently thought out" and the company was purchasing property, rather than leasing it, because it would save money in the long run.

The New York Times

Among the criticisms are that camera systems at some intersections, for example, have been calibrated to shorten the yellow-light interval to ensnare people who think they're crossing prudently when the light suddenly goes red.

The New York Times

And many of the professionals who used to help keep musicians' pockets full of spending money now feel obligated to help them conserve their funds, invest prudently and think about the long term.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact I favor reducing taxes.... BLOOMBERG -- Well, I don't think that anybody can prudently promise that under no circumstances, because you really don't know the future.

The New York Times

When Jim Rumage, the superintendent of the only high school in Crane, Texas, sent a letter to parents warning them chlamydia was "on the rise" among students, he thought he was acting prudently.

Vice

"People are spreading their chips around more prudently and I think more wisely".

The New York Times

The F.S.A. should sit down with the banks and say, "Look, I think you should look more prudently" at the credit levels, Mr. King said.

The New York Times

He wanted, he wrote in the book's introduction, to teach readers not only how to write elegant letters but "how to think and act justly and prudently in the common concerns of life".

The New Yorker

I relied on the government's alleged regulation to concern myself with working to save the money, prudently as I thought, to provide for my own old age.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think prudently" when you want to emphasize not just thinking, but also the wisdom and caution behind the thought process, especially in situations involving risk or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "think prudently" in everyday casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "think carefully" or "be careful" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Think prudently" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to engage in a careful and wise thought process. According to Ludwig, this emphasizes not only the act of thinking but also the application of good judgment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Think prudently" is a grammatically correct phrase that advises cautious and wise consideration. While relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig, its primary function is to urge careful decision-making, particularly in situations involving potential risks. It is commonly found in News & Media contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase is generally neutral and appropriate for contexts where thoughtfulness is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deliberate thoughtfully

Highlights the depth and care of the deliberation, similar to "think prudently".

Consider carefully

Focuses on the act of considering, but lacks the implication of wisdom or caution.

Reflect judiciously

Similar to "think prudently", it suggest a careful and wise reflection.

Give careful consideration

Emphasizes the effort dedicated to careful thought.

Act wisely

Emphasizes the action taken, rather than the thought process itself.

Consider with discernment

Suggests a high level of perception and understanding in the thinking process.

Weigh your options wisely

Specifically addresses the evaluation of choices with wisdom.

Ponder astutely

Highlights careful analysis and consideration.

Be circumspect

Highlights watchfulness, prudence and carefulness.

Exercise caution

Focuses on the cautious aspect, omitting the intellectual element of thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "Think prudently" in a sentence?

You can use "Think prudently" to advise someone to consider their decisions carefully and wisely, especially when caution is needed. For example: "Before making any major investments, it's essential to "think prudently" about the potential risks and rewards".

What are some alternatives to "Think prudently"?

Some alternatives include "consider carefully", "act wisely", or "deliberate thoughtfully". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Think prudently" or "Consider carefully"?

"Think prudently" emphasizes wisdom and caution in the thought process, while "consider carefully" simply highlights the act of careful consideration. Use "think prudently" when you want to stress the importance of making wise and cautious decisions.

What does "Think prudently" imply?

"Think prudently" implies a deliberate and thoughtful consideration of something, with an emphasis on wisdom, caution, and potential risks or consequences. It suggests a careful and responsible approach to decision-making.