is wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is wise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that demonstrates good judgment or knowledge in a particular situation. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it is wise to seek advice from those with more experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is wise.

The Economist

Caution is wise.

The Economist

She is wise.

The New Yorker

This is wise.

The Economist

The voter is wise.

The New York Times

That is wise.

Harvard Business Review

Now everyone is wise.

The New York Times

But he is wise to the consequences.

Independent

"She is wise beyond her years".

The New York Times

None of this is wise.

The Guardian

But the long-term aspiration is wise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "is prudent" or "is sensible" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is wise" in situations where a simpler adjective like "smart" or "good" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or even pompous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is wise" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as possessing wisdom or good judgment. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. For instance, "That "is wise"" uses "is wise" to attribute the quality of wisdom to a previously mentioned action or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is wise" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express that something possesses or demonstrates good judgment. Ludwig confirms that this expression is usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, science, and general contexts, signaling its broad applicability. For more formal settings, synonyms like "is prudent" may be appropriate. While the phrase is valuable for expressing approval, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. With many authoritative sources using this phrase, it's easy to see why Ludwig marks "is wise" as a useful component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates good judgment

Focuses on the act of showing good decision-making skills.

shows prudence

Highlights careful and thoughtful consideration before acting.

acts intelligently

Emphasizes the use of intellect and knowledge.

exhibits sound reasoning

Stresses the logical and rational basis for a decision.

displays discernment

Focuses on the ability to distinguish between good and bad options.

is sensible

Highlights practicality and common sense.

is well-advised

Implies receiving good counsel or guidance.

is sagacious

Uses a more formal and literary term for wisdom.

makes judicious decisions

Highlights the quality of being careful and showing good judgment.

is insightful

Emphasizes understanding the underlying nature of things.

FAQs

How can I use "is wise" in a sentence?

You can use "is wise" to describe a decision, action, or person that demonstrates good judgment or foresight. For example, "It "is wise" to save money for the future" or "She "is wise" beyond her years".

What are some alternatives to saying "is wise"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is prudent", "is sensible", "is judicious", or "demonstrates good judgment".

Is it always appropriate to use "is wise" in formal writing?

While "is wise" is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider whether a simpler or more direct synonym might be more effective. In some cases, a more specific adjective could convey the meaning more precisely.

What's the difference between saying something "is wise" and saying it "is smart"?

While both terms suggest intelligence, "is wise" often implies a deeper understanding and experience, suggesting a long-term perspective. "Is smart" can refer to quick intelligence or cleverness, but does not necessarily convey the same depth of understanding as "is wise".