choosing wisely

USAGE SUMMARY

"choosing wisely" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing decision-making or the importance of making thoughtful choices. Example: "In today's world, it's essential to focus on choosing wisely when it comes to investments." Alternative expressions include "making informed choices" and "selecting carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Touch wood, business has been fine for us, but customers are choosing wisely.

The Guardian

It is of interest, therefore, to minimize this error by choosing wisely the best hardware and an optimal configuration of CARPT detectors' array.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

Let's earn that pat on the back we like to give ourselves by choosing wisely what we do with our dollars.

The New York Times

How can you be confident you're choosing wisely?

Forbes

Because choosing wisely and purposely is what make you love what you do.

Forbes

But as brands continue to include influencers in their marketing strategies, how can they be sure they're choosing wisely?

Forbes

These tips help in choosing wisely.

HuffPost

Energy Star appliances and HVAC systems simplify choosing wisely.

Huffington Post

Part of being a successful applicant is choosing wisely where you'll apply.

HuffPost

We all have a right to personal agency, just choosing honestly and choosing wisely may not be the same thing.

Huffington Post

There are literally billions of guys on the planet, so don't worry about choosing wisely.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical or administrative contexts, be aware that this phrase often refers to specific cost-reduction or efficiency campaigns; capitalize it if referring to the specific initiative.

Common error

Do not say "choosing wise" unless "wise" is acting as a predicative adjective describing the subject's state. In most cases where you describe the manner of choosing, the adverbial form "wisely" is required to modify the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choosing wisely" functions as a gerund-adverbial construction. The gerund "choosing" acts as the head of the phrase, frequently serving as a subject (e.g., "choosing wisely is important") or as the object of a preposition (e.g., "tips for choosing wisely"). The adverb "wisely" provides a qualitative modifier to the action. Ludwig examples show that it is often utilized to lead a sentence or summarize a strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science & Medicine

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki & General Knowledge

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "choosing wisely" is a highly versatile and grammatically standard phrase that has gained significant traction in the 21st century. While it remains a staple of general advice for making smart decisions, Ludwig data reveals its specialized role as a proper noun in the healthcare industry, representing a movement to reduce unnecessary medical interventions. It is most effective when used to encourage critical thinking or when discussing efficiency and value. Whether in a scientific paper or a business blog, the phrase carries a weight of authority and suggests a commitment to high-quality outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a "Very common" and "Correct" expression across all major journalistic and academic domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selecting carefully

Uses a synonym for choice that implies a more meticulous filtering process

deciding prudently

Shifts the focus to the act of decision and emphasizes caution and foresight

making informed choices

More descriptive and emphasizes the knowledge required before acting

judicious selection

A noun-based formal alternative often found in academic or technical writing

picking cautiously

Focuses on the avoidance of risk during the selection process

opting smartly

A more modern and slightly more informal variation used in business and lifestyle

discerning well

Emphasizes the perception and clarity needed to distinguish between options

electing judiciously

Uses a formal verb suitable for governance, boards or high-level administration

choosing appropriately

Focuses on the fitness of the choice for a specific context or situation

determining thoughtfully

Highlights the cognitive process and reflection behind the final outcome

FAQs

What is a more formal way to say "choosing wisely"?

You can use a more academic expression like "judicious selection" or "deciding prudently" depending on whether you need a noun phrase or a verb phrase.

How do I use "choosing wisely" in a professional sentence?

It works well in contexts involving resource management, such as: "Our success depends on "making informed choices" and "choosing wisely" when allocating our budget".

Should I capitalize "Choosing Wisely"?

You should capitalize it if you are referring to the global healthcare initiative led by the ABIM Foundation. If you are using it in a general sense to mean making good decisions, keep it in lower case.

What is the difference between "choosing wisely" and "selecting carefully"?

"choosing wisely" implies a level of deep wisdom and long-term benefit, whereas "selecting carefully" focuses more on the immediate attention to detail during the process.