guide our actions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guide our actions" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a set of principles that someone follows in their life. For example, "The principles of compassion and kindness guide our actions and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Bourne's facts should guide our actions.

The Guardian

But we couldn't let it guide our actions.

The New York Times - Arts

• Should moral absolutism or moral relativism guide our actions?

The New York Times

We are right to honour them – and to let them guide our actions today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord Deben, who as John Gummer was environment secretary, said: "If ever there were an issue where the precautionary principle ought to guide our actions, it is in the use of neonicotinoids.

The Guardian

My greatest wish on this day for the ages is that this incandescent truth will always guide our actions as we continue to march forth in this, the greatest age of discovery ever known.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

We then judge ourselves and potentially guide our action by the imagined responses of an impartial and well-informed spectator.

SEP

We might get a first-hand feel for the embodied nature of such concepts in situations when we approximate such creatures, such as when we try to use such concepts to guide our action when we are laying down, moving backwards, or even looking in a rear-vision mirror.

SEP

The brain creates its own time, and it is this inner time, not clock time, that guides our actions.

The New York Times

This established pattern of social behavior guides our actions not only offline but also online.

EPJ Data Science

Our beliefs are assumed, at this pre-skeptical phase, to be guiding our actions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guide our actions" when referring to principles, values, or beliefs that influence behaviour. For instance, "Ethical considerations should guide our actions in research."

Common error

Avoid using "guide our actions" in contexts where a more specific verb would provide clarity. For example, instead of saying "Data should guide our actions", consider "Data should inform our strategy" for a more precise meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guide our actions" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process of influencing or directing behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show it used to express how values, principles, or information should inform our behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guide our actions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the process of directing or influencing behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in English. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, emphasizing the role of principles, values, or information in shaping decisions and behaviors. Alternatives include "steer our actions", "govern our actions", and "influence our actions". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what or who is doing the guiding. Avoid overly abstract use and consider more specific verbs for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer our actions

Replaces "guide" with "steer", suggesting a more direct form of control.

govern our actions

Replaces "guide" with "govern", implying a rule-based direction of actions.

direct our behavior

Changes "actions" to "behavior" and replaces "guide" with "direct", keeping a similar meaning.

influence our actions

Shifts from direct guidance to a more subtle form of influence.

determine our actions

Replaces "guide" with "determine", suggesting a stronger causal relationship.

dictate our actions

Implies a more forceful and less flexible direction of actions.

shape our behavior

Focuses on the broader concept of shaping behavior rather than specific actions.

inform our decisions

Focuses on providing information that influences decisions rather than directly guiding actions.

mold our conduct

Replaces both "guide" and "actions" with synonyms, changing the tone to something more formal.

underpin our actions

Changes the metaphor to a foundational one, indicating support rather than direction.

FAQs

How can I use "guide our actions" in a sentence?

You can use "guide our actions" to describe the influence of principles, values, or information on behavior. For example, "Let evidence "guide our actions" when making decisions."

What's a good alternative to "guide our actions"?

Alternatives include "steer our actions", "govern our actions", or "influence our actions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "guide our actions" or "guides our actions"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "guide our actions" when the subject is plural (e.g., "principles guide our actions") and "guides our actions" when the subject is singular (e.g., "this principle guides our actions").

What is the difference between "guide our actions" and "guide our decisions"?

"Guide our actions" refers to influencing behavior or conduct, while "guide our decisions" focuses specifically on influencing choices or judgments. The former is broader, encompassing a range of behaviors, while the latter is narrower, focusing on the decision-making process.