choose wisely

USAGE SUMMARY

"choose wisely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as an imperative sentence, meaning it is a command or advice to someone. Example: Before making a decision, I urge you to think it over carefully and choose wisely.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Just choose wisely.

The New York Times

So choose wisely".

The New York Times

Let's choose wisely!

The Guardian - Film

Please choose wisely.

The Guardian

but choose wisely.

Stanford University

Many did not choose wisely.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He chose wisely.

The New York Times

Mr Greenspan has chosen wisely.

The Guardian - Business

The Nobel committee chose wisely.

The Washington Post

As it turned out, Newsome chose wisely.

The New York Times

I think I've chosen wisely".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "choose wisely", follow up with specific criteria or considerations to guide their decision-making process. For example: "Choose wisely, considering both short-term gains and long-term consequences."

Common error

While "choose wisely" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced expressions like "make a judicious decision" or "select with careful consideration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choose wisely" functions primarily as an imperative, giving a command or piece of advice. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to urge careful consideration before making a decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "choose wisely" functions as an imperative, urging thoughtful deliberation before making a decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and widely used. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in wikis and academic sources, indicating a neutral register. To improve your usage, ensure you provide context when advising someone to "choose wisely" and avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives include "select carefully" or "decide judiciously", depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose thoughtfully

Emphasizes the need for reflection and consideration in choosing.

select carefully

Focuses on the act of selection, emphasizing the need for attentiveness.

decide judiciously

Highlights the need for sound judgment and thoughtful consideration in the decision-making process.

make a prudent decision

Highlights the need for a careful and wise decision.

make an informed choice

Emphasizes the importance of having adequate information before deciding.

exercise good judgment

Stresses the importance of applying wisdom and discernment.

think carefully

Emphasizes the need for thorough consideration before making a choice.

weigh your options

Highlights the importance of considering different possibilities.

consider all aspects

Suggests a comprehensive evaluation of the situation.

be selective

Focuses on making choices in a discerning manner.

FAQs

How can I use "choose wisely" in a sentence?

You can use "choose wisely" as an imperative, such as, "This decision is crucial, so "choose wisely"." It can also be used more broadly to advise careful consideration.

What does it mean to "choose wisely"?

To "choose wisely" means to make a decision after careful consideration, taking into account all relevant factors and potential consequences. It implies making a choice that is likely to lead to a positive outcome.

What are some alternatives to saying "choose wisely"?

Alternatives to "choose wisely" include "select carefully", "decide judiciously", or "make an informed choice". The best option depends on the specific context.

Is "choose wisely" formal or informal?

"Choose wisely" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more suitable for situations where direct advice is appropriate. In highly formal settings, consider using a more nuanced phrase, such as "exercise sound judgment".