be more discreet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more discreet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be more careful or tactful in their actions or speech, especially in sensitive situations. Example: "In discussions about personal matters, it would be wise to be more discreet to avoid offending anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Sometimes, the prince chooses to be more discreet.

The Guardian

But since then, the U.S. administration had until now chosen to be more discreet.

The New York Times

"I prefer to be more discreet". So he bought an LM2.

The New York Times

"The Taliban are like animals," he complained as friends cautioned him to be more discreet.

The New York Times

Writer thinks Anne should be more discreet, and not tell all she knows.

The New Yorker

ParaShoot may be more discreet than Google's Glass eyewear, but that in itself may seem more worrying to some people.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Mitchell was more discreet.

The New Yorker

Young John was more discreet.

The New Yorker

Others were more discreet.

The New York Times

Thereafter he was more discreet.

The Guardian - Sport

"The market here is more discreet.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "be more discreet", consider the specific context. Tailor your advice to address the particular area where discretion is needed, such as in social interactions, business dealings, or personal matters.

Common error

Avoid using "be more discreet" in situations where directness and transparency are valued. In some professional settings, for instance, being too discreet can be perceived as evasive or untrustworthy. Instead, aim for tactful communication that balances honesty with sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more discreet" functions as an imperative, offering advice or a suggestion to someone to act with greater caution and tact. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more discreet" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise someone to exercise greater caution or tact. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is versatile and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral, its overuse in situations demanding directness should be avoided. Alternatives such as "exercise more caution" or "be more circumspect" may offer nuanced ways to convey a similar message. Use it wisely to encourage prudence and sensitivity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise more caution

Emphasizes being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

be more circumspect

Highlights the need for careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

be more guarded

Suggests being cautious in revealing information or feelings.

be more restrained

Focuses on controlling one's behavior to avoid drawing attention.

be more subtle

Indicates a need for a less obvious or direct approach.

keep a lower profile

Advises avoiding attention or publicity.

be more private

Stresses the importance of keeping matters confidential.

be more confidential

Highlights the need to ensure that information remains secret.

handle with more tact

Emphasizes the need for sensitivity and skill in dealing with others.

tread more carefully

Implies a need to proceed cautiously to avoid causing offense or problems.

FAQs

How can I use "be more discreet" in a sentence?

You can use "be more discreet" to advise someone to act with greater caution or secrecy. For example, "In discussions about personal matters, it would be wise to "be more discreet" to avoid offending anyone."

What can I say instead of "be more discreet"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise more caution", "be more circumspect", or "be more guarded" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to ask someone to "be more discreet"?

It may be inappropriate to ask someone to "be more discreet" if honesty and transparency are expected, such as in situations where full disclosure is necessary for ethical or legal reasons. In those cases, suggest "being more transparent" and tactful instead.

What's the difference between "be more discreet" and "be more secretive"?

"Be more discreet" suggests being tactful and avoiding unnecessary attention, while "be more secretive" implies deliberately concealing information. "Being more discreet" focuses on how actions are performed, whereas "being more secretive" focuses on what information is shared.