be impulsive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be impulsive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to act on their instincts or emotions without overthinking. Example: "Sometimes, it's good to be impulsive and take risks that can lead to unexpected opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like all beings, he would be impulsive and instinctive but you could also see him reason through choices.

Huffington Post

I can be impulsive.

The New York Times

Their behavior can be impulsive.

Harvard University

JERUSALEM — He can be impulsive.

The New York Times

He can be impulsive, manipulative and deceitful.

The New York Times

You write, "Trump could be impulsive, even reckless.

The New Yorker

"Will he be impulsive and reckless, like Donald Trump?

The New Yorker

Do you consider yourself to be impulsive or careful?

The New York Times

But they can also be impulsive, manipulative and sexually promiscuous.

Independent

I understand you don't want us to be impulsive, but why are you so passive?

The New York Times

My behaviour can be impulsive too; I spend thousands on my credit cards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be impulsive" to describe actions driven by sudden urges or feelings without prior planning. It's often used to portray spontaneity but can also imply a lack of foresight.

Common error

Avoid using "be impulsive" when you mean to convey positive spontaneity. Impulsivity often carries a connotation of recklessness or lack of consideration, unlike spontaneity, which is generally viewed positively as acting freely and naturally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be impulsive" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe a tendency or characteristic of someone's behavior. Ludwig examples show it's frequently used to describe someone's actions in various scenarios, both positive and negative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be impulsive" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions driven by sudden urges without much forethought. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While often used neutrally, "be impulsive" can carry a slightly negative connotation implying a lack of careful consideration, distinguishing it from the more positive ""be spontaneous"". It's important to consider this nuance when choosing between these alternatives. This expression is very common across diverse sources like news, media, academia and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be spontaneous

Focuses on the positive aspect of acting without planning, unlike "be impulsive" which can have negative connotations.

act without thinking

Highlights the lack of deliberation before acting.

make snap decisions

Emphasizes the speed of the decision-making process.

go with your gut

Relies on intuition rather than logic.

follow your instincts

Similar to "go with your gut" but emphasizes inherent or innate tendencies.

act rashly

Implies a higher degree of risk and negative consequences than "be impulsive".

shoot from the hip

An idiomatic expression suggesting a casual and informal approach to decision-making.

jump the gun

Idiomatic expression suggesting acting prematurely or hastily.

be reckless

Implies a disregard for potential dangers, a stronger term than "be impulsive".

cave in to temptation

Suggests giving in to a desire quickly and unexpectedly.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be impulsive"?

To "be impulsive" means to act on sudden urges or desires without careful thought or planning. It often implies acting quickly and spontaneously, sometimes without considering the consequences.

When is it appropriate to "be impulsive"?

It might be appropriate to "be impulsive" in situations where there's little risk involved or where a spontaneous decision could lead to a positive outcome. However, it's generally best to avoid impulsivity when making important decisions that could have significant consequences.

What are some synonyms for "be impulsive"?

Some alternatives to "be impulsive" include "be spontaneous", "act rashly", or "make snap decisions". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be impulsive" and "be spontaneous"?

"Be impulsive" often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of forethought or consideration of consequences. "Be spontaneous", on the other hand, generally has a positive connotation, suggesting a willingness to act freely and naturally without excessive planning.