act with prudence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act with prudence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be cautious and thoughtful in their actions or decisions. Example: "In financial matters, it is essential to act with prudence to avoid unnecessary risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The answer: No. Erisa requires retirement plan "sponsors," as employers are known in benefits lingo, to act with "prudence and solely in the best interest of plan participants" in the selection and monitoring of investment options, a Labor Department spokesman said in an e-mail.

The New York Times

George H.W. Bush also believed that to be a conservative was to act with "prudence," one of his favorite words and a philosophy he demonstrated in foreign policy by deciding, once he defeated Saddam Hussein in Kuwait, not to follow him to Baghdad.

The New York Times

Directors have an obvious and practical need to rely on management, committees and outside experts in connection with their oversight and decision-making obligations.They must be authorized to rely on management — and experts — in order to act with prudence and good faith.

The New York Times

A fiduciary is required to act with prudence, skill, care, diligence and good judgment, and they are required to provide full and fair disclosure of all important facts.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They act with the prudence, skill, care, diligence and good judgment of a professional; provide conspicuous, full and fair disclosure of all important facts; avoid conflicts of interest; and fully disclose and fairly manage, in the client's favor, unavoidable conflicts.

Forbes

As the markets pitch and yaw the pressing question is whether central bankers and regulators have acted with swift prudence, or ill-judged panic.There is no doubt that this is a frightening moment.

The Economist

The companies that offer retirement accounts to their employees, known as plan sponsors, have fiduciary duties to plan participants under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to see that the portfolios are run with prudence and loyalty and without conflicts of interest.

The New York Times

Systemic erythromycin should be used with prudence in early infancy.

The Journal of Pediatrics

Still, the station is regarding the ad boom with prudence.

The Washington Post

If you experience technical difficulties, weep softly, with prudence.

The New Yorker

He spoke with prudence and demanded precise translations from Pashto.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, use "act with prudence" to emphasize the importance of careful and well-considered decision-making, particularly in situations involving risk or uncertainty.

Common error

While "act with prudence" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "exercise sound judgment" or "proceed with caution" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act with prudence" functions as a directive or advisory expression. It's used to recommend a particular course of action characterized by caution and careful consideration. Ludwig AI affirms this with real-world examples showing its common use in contexts requiring thoughtfulness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act with prudence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to advise caution and thoughtful decision-making. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its frequency is uncommon, with usage primarily in news, media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While correct, it's wise to vary language using synonyms to avoid repetition. Remember, it suggests exercising caution and careful planning. Overall, use "act with prudence" when the situation demands a responsible, well-considered approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise sound judgment

This alternative emphasizes the application of good judgment in decision-making, shifting the focus from caution to wisdom.

proceed with caution

This alternative focuses specifically on the cautious aspect of prudence, highlighting the need for careful steps.

act judiciously

Similar to exercising sound judgement, this alternative highlights the importance of acting fairly and wisely.

behave circumspectly

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

be thoughtful in your actions

This alternative is a more explanatory version of the original query and puts more focus on the necessity to reflect before acting.

employ discretion

This phrase centers on using good judgment to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

apply due diligence

This alternative highlights thoroughness and careful investigation before taking action, often in a legal or business context.

take a measured approach

This alternative suggests a deliberate and carefully considered way of acting, emphasizing balance and control.

be deliberate

This alternative emphasizes intentional and thoughtful action, as opposed to impulsive behavior.

show foresight

This alternative emphasizes anticipating future consequences and acting accordingly.

FAQs

How can I use "act with prudence" in a sentence?

You can use "act with prudence" to advise someone to be cautious and thoughtful in their actions. For example, "In financial matters, it's crucial to act with prudence to minimize potential losses."

What are some alternatives to "act with prudence"?

You can use alternatives such as "exercise sound judgment", "proceed with caution", or "employ discretion", depending on the specific context.

Is "act with prudence" a formal or informal expression?

"Act with prudence" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for professional or serious contexts. In more casual settings, simpler phrases might be preferred.

What does it mean to "act with prudence"?

To "act with prudence" means to behave in a way that shows careful and thoughtful consideration, especially when making decisions or facing potential risks. It involves exercising good judgment and avoiding rash actions.