it was wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was wise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a particular action or decision was prudent or showed good judgment. Example: "After considering all the options, I realized it was wise to invest in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was wise before its time.

The Washington Post

It was wise advice.

Nature

It was wise to flee.

The Guardian

It made total sense and it was wise advice.

The Guardian - Film

I could tell he'd been drinking, and I wasn't sure it was wise to talk.

University of California, Berkeley

The Global Times said it was "wise of Mo Yan to avoid talking politics".

The New York Times

I asked if it was wise to pinch pennies on such a thing.

The New York Times

It was wise of the designer to move into new categories like fur and leather.

The New York Times

He seemed to consider the distance and whether it was wise to cross it.

The New Yorker

But it was Wise Dan who catapulted LoPresti into racing's limelight.

The New York Times - Sports

For now, he said, it was wise to use persuasion to get the Americans to leave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was wise" to commend a decision made with careful consideration and foresight. It's particularly effective when acknowledging a choice that avoids potential negative consequences.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "it was wise" in overly casual conversations can sound stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "that's smart" or "good idea" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was wise" functions as an evaluative statement, typically used to express approval or agreement with a past action or decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show its use in assessing the prudence or sagacity of choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was wise" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to commend a decision or action for its prudence and good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers a range of usage examples. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news, academic, and professional contexts, where the phrase's evaluative function is highly relevant. When considering alternatives, remember that choices like "it was smart" or "that was a good idea" may be more suitable in informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a smart move

Replaces "wise" with "smart", focusing on the cleverness of the action.

it was a judicious decision

Substitutes "wise" with "judicious", emphasizing the thoughtfulness behind the decision.

it was a prudent choice

Uses "prudent" instead of "wise", highlighting the careful and practical nature of the choice.

it was a sensible course of action

Replaces "wise" with "sensible", stressing the logical and practical aspect of the action.

it was an astute observation

Substitutes "wise" with "astute", indicating a keen understanding or insight.

it was the right thing to do

Focuses on the moral correctness rather than the cleverness of the action.

it was a well-advised strategy

Emphasizes that the wisdom comes from good advice received.

it was a clever idea

Highlights the ingenuity or inventiveness behind the action.

it was a canny approach

Uses "canny" to suggest shrewdness and resourcefulness.

it was a sagacious step

Replaces "wise" with "sagacious", emphasizing profound wisdom and foresight.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was wise" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "that was smart", "that was a good idea", or simply "good call". The best choice depends on the specific context and your intended audience.

Is there a difference between "it was wise" and "it was smart"?

While both phrases commend a decision, "it was smart" often emphasizes cleverness or ingenuity, whereas "it was wise" suggests prudence, good judgment, and foresight. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific quality you want to highlight.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was wise"?

The phrase "it was wise" is suitable in situations where a decision reflects careful consideration, experience, and good judgment, especially when avoiding potential risks or negative outcomes. It's appropriate in both formal and neutral contexts.

What are some synonyms for "it was wise" that maintain a formal tone?

Synonyms that maintain a formal tone include "it was prudent", "it was judicious", "it was sensible", or "it was astute". These alternatives emphasize thoughtfulness and careful consideration.