a wise compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wise compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision or agreement that is sensible and takes into account the needs or perspectives of different parties. Example: "After much discussion, we reached a wise compromise that satisfied both sides of the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"A wise compromise, showing sensitivity and carefulness".

The New York Times

"But in the House, the ability to strike a wise compromise is an essential part of leadership". In 1989, Michel indicated that always being in the minority was taking its toll.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a wise man's compromise — after all, one of the windows is open.

The New York Times

The wiser compromise is to allow those who have found work, paid taxes and avoided trouble to earn the right to stay, rather than force them home to change their status.

The Economist

But corporate textbooks present the Constitution as a wise inevitability, awaiting only the Bill of Rights as the icing on a delicious cake of compromise.

HuffPost

"A wise guy, huh?

The New Yorker

A wise move.

The New York Times - Travel

This is a wise move.

The New York Times

It was a wise course.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a wise choice.

The New York Times - Arts

A wise guy, I thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to emphasize the intelligence and foresight behind reaching an agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a wise compromise" when describing situations where ethical principles are significantly undermined. It's better suited for scenarios involving practical, balanced resolutions, not moral trade-offs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wise compromise" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, describing a specific type of agreement or resolution. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase implies an agreement reached with careful thought and good judgement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wise compromise" is a noun phrase used to describe a beneficial and well-considered agreement. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in writing. Though not exceptionally common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, signaling a neutral register. When aiming to convey that an agreement reflects intelligence and benefits all involved, "a wise compromise" is a suitable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intelligent agreement

Replaces 'wise' with a synonym focusing on intellect, maintaining the positive connotation of the compromise.

a judicious settlement

Substitutes 'compromise' with 'settlement', implying a more formal resolution, and 'wise' with 'judicious', emphasizing sound judgment.

a sensible concession

Replaces 'compromise' with 'concession', highlighting the act of yielding, and 'wise' with 'sensible', focusing on practicality.

a prudent understanding

Changes 'compromise' to 'understanding', suggesting a mutual agreement, and 'wise' to 'prudent', emphasizing foresight.

a clever resolution

Uses 'resolution' instead of 'compromise' to emphasize the act of resolving a conflict, and 'clever' in place of 'wise' to suggest ingenuity.

a strategic agreement

Replaces 'wise' with 'strategic' to highlight the calculated benefits of the compromise.

a well-considered arrangement

Substitutes 'compromise' with 'arrangement', implying a more structured agreement, and 'wise' with 'well-considered', emphasizing thoughtfulness.

an astute negotiation

Replaces 'compromise' with 'negotiation', focusing on the process of reaching an agreement, and 'wise' with 'astute', highlighting cleverness.

a diplomatic solution

Uses 'solution' to replace 'compromise', emphasizing the resolution of a problem through diplomacy.

a beneficial understanding

Focuses on the positive outcome of the understanding, highlighting the mutual benefit derived from it.

FAQs

How can I use "a wise compromise" in a sentence?

You can use "a wise compromise" to describe a solution that is both intelligent and beneficial to all parties, such as: "After negotiations, they reached "a wise compromise" that satisfied everyone's needs".

What are some alternatives to saying "a wise compromise"?

Alternatives include "an intelligent agreement", "a judicious settlement", or "a sensible concession", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a wise compromise"?

It's appropriate when the agreement shows careful consideration and leads to positive outcomes for all involved, reflecting good judgment and foresight.

What differentiates "a wise compromise" from a simple compromise?

"A wise compromise" implies not only reaching an agreement but also doing so in a way that demonstrates intelligence, fairness, and foresight, leading to sustainable and beneficial results, unlike a simple compromise that might be merely expedient.