extreme prudence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme prudence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one is exercising a high level of caution or carefulness, often in decision-making or risk assessment. Example: "In financial investments, it is advisable to approach new opportunities with extreme prudence to avoid unnecessary losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The French Embassy urged "extreme prudence" and limitations on travel inside the country.

The New York Times

In radio interviews, France's transportation minister, Dominique Bussereau, urged "extreme prudence" about judging the source of any debris until it could be analyzed.

The New York Times

When, as today, the unknown unknowns dominate, and the economic environment is so complex as to appear nearly incomprehensible, the result is extreme prudence, if not outright paralysis, on the part of investors, consumers and firms.

The Economist

The survival of philosophy in the West required extreme prudence, emphasis on its scientific character, abstention from meddling in political or religious matters, and abandonment of the hope of effecting extensive doctrinal or institutional reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, not only are the masses disorganised, but the desire for a revolution is often tempered by extreme prudence in a nation ravaged by a decade of civil war, and currently witnessing insurgencies in Darfur and more recently in the "New South".

The Guardian - Opinion

The new prime minister, Guy Verhofstadt, last week promised that his government would show "extreme prudence" and take drastic measures to deal with the crisis but there have been reports that the public health services have been dilatory and that piles of rotting meat have been left out in the open.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But this isn't really about extreme scenarios and fear, but about logic and prudence.

The Guardian

Hobbes expressed extreme contempt for the Aristotelianism of Oxford; Descartes, despite his prudence, scorned the medievalists of the Sorbonne; and Spinoza refused the offer of a professorship of philosophy at Heidelberg with polite aversion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each chapter is dedicated to a category of risk from sex to extreme sport and opens with a short and often amusing vignette featuring Prudence, Kelvin or Norm.

The Economist

However, even if these results are comforting, the non-physiologic and extreme reticulocyte count fluctuation over time using the monthly administration interval imposes prudence and suggests further exploring the possible unfavorable consequences on hemoglobin stability.

BMC Nephrology

The tension falls between the extreme ambitiousness of the goals and the caution required to achieve them — a sense of prudence born in no small part of the failure of George W. Bush's transformative schemes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risk management or strategic planning, using "extreme prudence" can underscore the importance of cautious decision-making to mitigate potential negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme prudence" when the situation calls for a balanced approach rather than excessive caution. Overstating the risk can lead to unnecessary paralysis and missed opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme prudence" functions as a noun phrase, where "extreme" modifies the noun "prudence". Ludwig provides examples of this phrase used to emphasize a high degree of caution in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extreme prudence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a high degree of caution and carefulness, particularly in situations involving significant risks or uncertainties. As Ludwig highlights, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, typically in neutral to formal contexts. While "extreme prudence" is not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the need for cautious decision-making. Alternatives like "utmost caution" or "great circumspection" can be used to express similar ideas. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the emphasis on caution to avoid sounding overly cautious or risk-averse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost caution

Replaces "extreme" with "utmost", emphasizing the highest degree of caution.

great circumspection

Substitutes both words to offer a more formal and nuanced expression of caution.

heightened caution

Replaces "extreme" with "heightened", indicating an increased level of alertness and care.

exceptional carefulness

Replaces "prudence" with "carefulness" and "extreme" with "exceptional", highlighting the degree of attention.

remarkable foresight

Shifts the focus to the ability to anticipate and avoid risks, rather than just caution.

considerable wariness

Emphasizes a sense of distrust or suspicion, adding a layer of skepticism to the caution.

intense vigilance

Focuses on the attentiveness and watchfulness involved in being prudent.

acute prudence

Replaces "extreme" with "acute", suggesting a sharp and discerning sense of caution.

thorough deliberation

Highlights the careful and detailed consideration involved in making prudent decisions.

uncommon discretion

Emphasizes the quality of being judicious and circumspect in one's actions and speech.

FAQs

How can I use "extreme prudence" in a sentence?

You can use "extreme prudence" to describe a situation where caution and careful consideration are paramount. For example, "Navigating complex financial markets requires "extreme prudence" to avoid significant losses."

What's the difference between "extreme prudence" and "utmost caution"?

"Extreme prudence" and "utmost caution" are similar, but "utmost caution" often implies a more immediate or urgent need for care, while "extreme prudence" suggests a more calculated and strategic approach to risk management.

When is it appropriate to use "extreme prudence"?

It is appropriate to use "extreme prudence" when facing situations with high stakes, significant uncertainty, or potential for severe consequences. For example, "Entering a new market with untested regulations demands "extreme prudence"."

What are some alternatives to "extreme prudence" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "great circumspection", "heightened caution", or "exceptional carefulness" to convey a similar meaning as "extreme prudence".