behoove

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'behoove' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a formal word that means 'to be necessary or appropriate for something'. For example: It behooves us to pay attention to all government health notices in light of the current pandemic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But now that the exchanges are up and running, it would behoove the Obama administration to allow insurers to sell a wider range of products at different prices.

The Economist

Now the fight extends to video.In some cases it may behoove Google to take these suits to trial in order to clarify a principle.

The Economist

So it would ill behoove Matt Dallek to act as if there were a credible threat to him.

The New Yorker

And after reviewing his scholarship options he had decided it would behoove him to unearth some Native American roots.

The New Yorker

Processed crickets can cost hundreds of dollars per pound, but in the days of factory farms and seventy-nine-dollar chicken, it might behoove us to invest in ways to bring those costs down.

The New Yorker

Once Mr. Zuckerberg is our benevolent ruler-for-life, it would behoove him to remember those who were early supporters of his political ambitions and to spare them the capital punishment that should be mandatory for any traitors to his cause, which it is not our place to know the nature thereof.

The New Yorker

"If they are watching me in larger numbers than anything else on the network, it would behoove the network to put me on as often as possible, especially in a political context".

The New Yorker

It may also behoove us to quickly introduce a zingy new topic of discussion as diversion — e.g., Doesn't the word "canoodling" sound like some strange combination of boating and pasta?

The New York Times

It may behoove them to ask who is advising their buyer.

The New York Times

The first time Williams batted against the shift, he lined a double down the right-field line, and though Ricciardi said he believed it would behoove a hitter facing the shift to occasionally try to slap a ball to the vacated side of the field, Long and Yankees Manager Joe Girardi said they did not want to see Teixeira try to change who he is as a hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of rushing into the adoption of a financial transaction tax, it may behoove us to watch and see whether these new taxes in Europe work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behoove" in formal contexts where you want to suggest that a particular course of action is not only beneficial but also expected or appropriate. For instance: "It would "behoove" the company to invest in employee training."

Common error

Avoid using "behoove" in casual or informal settings. Its formal tone can sound stilted or overly pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "benefit" or "help" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "behoove" is as a transitive verb. It typically expresses that something is necessary, suitable, or proper for someone. Ludwig's examples show it connecting an action to a person or entity's best interest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Behoove" is a verb indicating that something is in someone's best interest or is appropriate for them to do. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's grammatically correct and best suited for formal contexts, such as news articles, business communications, or academic writing. While the word appears frequently in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, simpler alternatives are recommended for informal settings. Using "behoove" correctly ensures a sophisticated and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is advisable

More straightforward in its recommendation.

it is recommended

Presents the action as a suggestion or best practice.

it is prudent

Suggests the action is cautious and well-considered.

it would be wise

Less formal and more direct in suggesting advisability.

it is advantageous

Emphasizes the strategic benefit of the action.

it is sensible

Suggests the action is logical and reasonable.

it is beneficial

Highlights the advantages or positive outcomes.

it is in your best interest

Focuses on the personal benefit derived from the action.

it is appropriate

Similar to "fitting", but slightly more general.

it is fitting

Indicates the action is appropriate or suitable.

FAQs

How can I use "behoove" in a sentence?

"Behoove" is typically used to suggest that a particular action is in someone's best interest or is necessary. For example, "It would "behoove" you to arrive early for the interview."

What are some alternatives to "behoove"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "benefit", "advantage", or "wise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it behooves to"?

No, the correct usage is "it would behoove" or "it behooves" someone to do something. The verb "behoove" does not require the preposition "to" directly after it.

What's the difference between "behoove" and "benefit"?

"Behoove" implies a sense of duty or appropriateness in addition to benefit, while "benefit" simply means to gain an advantage or positive outcome. "Behoove" carries a stronger sense of obligation or advisability.