a wise person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wise person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who possesses knowledge, good judgment, and the ability to make sound decisions. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it is often a wise person who can provide clarity and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dan was a wise person who knew the importance of family and friends.

The New York Times

Corporate reputations take years to build and moments to destroy (as a wise person once noted).

Harvard Business Review

Post-graduate study, a wise person (probably) once said, is a marathon rather than a sprint.

The Guardian

"I spoke to him two days ago, he's very sharp, he's a wise man, he's a wise person," he said.

The Washington Post

America will find that she is a wise person, and I'm so honored you're joining the administration.

The New York Times

Not the move of a wise person, but it turned out O.K. Recklessly, I learned the game on the job, so to speak.

The New York Times

FAITH, a wise person once told me, is like mashed potatoes, able to sustain and to comfort in good times and bad.

The New York Times

While many people tend to develop a coping strategy in old age and look back on their lives in a more positive light, a wise person in contrast would acknowledge failures and losses, and still try to improve.

Columbia University

A wise person is the one who listens to advice.

BBC

A wise person once said to me, "All things come to an end".

Science Magazine

Extensive factual knowledge is not enough to give us what a wise person knows.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a neutral tone, "a wise person" works well. However, in formal writing, consider synonyms like "a sagacious individual" for a more elevated style.

Common error

While "a wise person" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations, as it can sound overly serious or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "someone who knows their stuff" or "a smart person" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wise person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an individual possessing wisdom, good judgment, and understanding. Examples found by Ludwig AI show its use in various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wise person" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe someone with knowledge, sound judgment, and insightful understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. While the phrase is generally neutral, its formality can be adjusted by choosing appropriate synonyms for different contexts. Overusing the phrase in informal settings might sound pretentious, so awareness of the setting is essential. Given its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and business sources, "a wise person" remains a valuable and widely recognized way to describe individuals possessing wisdom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sage

Implies a venerable and experienced person known for their wisdom.

a sagacious individual

Replaces "wise" with a more formal and less common synonym, 'sagacious,' suggesting profound wisdom.

a person of sound judgment

Emphasizes the ability to make rational and well-reasoned decisions.

a judicious person

Highlights the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

a prudent individual

Focuses on carefulness and good judgment in practical matters, rather than broad wisdom.

a discerning individual

Stresses the ability to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong.

an intelligent individual

Emphasizes intellectual capacity rather than practical wisdom or experience.

a knowledgeable person

Highlights the possession of information and understanding, not necessarily the ability to apply it wisely.

an astute observer

Focuses on the ability to notice and understand subtle details and implications.

a clever person

Focuses on quick-wittedness and ingenuity, rather than deep understanding or wisdom.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wise person" to refer to someone who possesses knowledge, good judgment, and the ability to make sound decisions. For example, "In times of uncertainty, it is often a wise person who can provide clarity and guidance."

What are some alternatives to "a wise person"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a sagacious individual", "a prudent person", or "a knowledgeable person".

Is it better to say "a wise person" or "a smart person"?

While both phrases describe someone intelligent, "a wise person" implies deeper understanding and good judgment based on experience, while "a smart person" focuses more on intellectual ability. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a wise person"?

The phrase is appropriate in various contexts, from news articles to philosophical discussions. However, avoid overuse in very casual conversation, where it may sound overly formal or stilted.