for prudence's sake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for prudence's sake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that an action is taken out of caution or careful consideration. Example: "I decided to save a portion of my income for prudence's sake, ensuring I have a financial cushion in case of emergencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They might check out the names of the lions on the front steps, for prudence's sake.

The New York Times - Arts

But for prudence's sake, he says, investors should count on five years to bounce back from future bear markets.

The New York Times

A state should, for prudence's sake, adhere to an amoral policy of smart self-regard in international affairs.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's complication for complication's sake.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's art, for God's sake".

Forbes

For poetry's sake.

Independent

For Christ's sake.

The New Yorker

"For fuck's sake!

The New Yorker

For God's sake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"For heaven's sake.

The New York Times - Arts

For art's sake?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for prudence's sake", ensure the action being described aligns with the idea of careful consideration and wise decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "for prudence's sake" in casual or informal settings, as it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "just to be safe" or "out of caution" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for prudence's sake" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or motivation behind an action. It expresses that something is done out of caution, careful planning, or foresight. Ludwig confirms the proper usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for prudence's sake" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically employed to justify actions rooted in caution and foresight. While Ludwig indicates its usage is considered correct, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. When using it, consider the level of formality, as it's best suited for professional or formal settings, as using it in casual conversations may be seen as too pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of caution

Similar to 'out of caution' but retains the 'sake' structure, making it slightly more formal.

out of caution

Focuses directly on the act of being cautious, removing the reference to 'prudence'.

as a precaution

Highlights the preventative aspect of the action, framing it as a measure to avoid potential issues.

for safety's sake

Emphasizes the protection of safety as the primary motivation.

to be on the safe side

Expresses the idea of erring on the side of caution, ensuring a secure outcome.

with due diligence

Highlights the thoroughness and care taken in an action, focusing on the process.

in order to be careful

Directly states the intention of being careful, removing the more formal tone.

in anticipation of problems

Focuses on the proactive nature of the action, implying a preparation for potential issues.

exercising foresight

Emphasizes the wisdom of considering future implications and acting accordingly.

to avoid potential risks

Highlights the intention to steer clear of possible dangers or negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "for prudence's sake" in a sentence?

You can use "for prudence's sake" to indicate that an action is taken out of caution or careful consideration. For example, "I decided to save a portion of my income "for prudence's sake", ensuring I have a financial cushion in case of emergencies."

What are some alternatives to "for prudence's sake"?

Alternatives include "out of caution", "as a precaution", or "for safety's sake", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "for prudence's sake"?

It is appropriate to use "for prudence's sake" in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize careful consideration and foresight in decision-making. Avoid it in casual settings where it may sound overly formal.

Is "for prudence sake" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrasing is "for prudence's sake", with an apostrophe indicating possession. "Prudence's sake" implies that the action is being taken for the benefit or sake of prudence itself.