more prudent than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more prudent than" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when comparing two actions, choices, or behaviors and indicating that one is more sensible, cautious, or wise than the other. Example: It would be more prudent for us to save our money instead of spending it all on unnecessary luxuries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"The country has been more prudent than elsewhere and the economy more prudently managed than other countries in the region," says Rendell.

Forbes

What could be more prudent than balancing the books every year?

The New York Times

Bankruptcy lawyers say that this does not mean that homeowners have been more prudent than renters.

The New York Times

A new survey shows they are more prudent than atheistsMost read on Economist.comTrustbusting: Should digital monopolies be broken up?

The Economist

New Labour (if the economy plays along) can be judged more prudent than old Labour, but not much more imaginative.

The Economist

Although Walpole had favoured letting the Bank of England take over the debt, he was no more prudent than many others and invested heavily in South Sea stock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This is a significant increase, and it makes Mr. Bloomberg even more pessimistic -- his aides would say more prudent -- than a number of fiscal monitors and budget watchdog groups that are traditionally more conservative than elected officials in their budget projections.

The New York Times

But if lending to home buyers was conducted in a far more prudent manner than it was in the United States, lending to real estate developers and construction companies was, if anything, more irresponsible.

The New York Times

Emerging economies' exports to America slowed markedly this year, but their GDP growth has been supported by robust domestic demand and strong exports elsewhere.If exports to America weaken further, many governments can support demand by boosting public spending, thanks to more prudent budgeting than in the past.

The Economist

While the front-runner, McCain, delivered "straight talk" that some industries in Michigan were unlikely to be rejuvenated and that worker retraining was the more prudent course than trying to "recreate the past" — an argument for creative destruction — Romney labeled his opponent a defeatist and sunnily pledged "to fight for every single job".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the mid-70s, while reluctantly studying commercial art at Pittsburgh - at the behest of his parents, who considered it a more prudent option than fine art - Haring was a hippy with a long, unbecoming plait, who frittered away his leisure time listening to the Grateful Dead and smoking dope.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, clearly define the criteria for prudence to ensure the comparison is meaningful and relevant to the decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "more prudent than" when the difference in prudence is negligible. Overstating the prudence of one option can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more prudent than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to compare two entities or actions, indicating that one possesses a higher degree of prudence, meaning they are more cautious, sensible, or wise in their approach. Ludwig shows the phrase being used in various contexts to contrast different strategies, decisions, or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more prudent than" is a commonly used comparative phrase that signifies a greater degree of caution, wisdom, or sensibility between two options or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant, avoiding overstatements that could undermine your credibility. Alternatives like "wiser than" or "more cautious than" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Being "more prudent than" is generally a positive attribute, but it should be balanced with the need for risk-taking and opportunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more careful than

Highlights diligence and attention to detail in avoiding mistakes or risks. Shares the prudence in avoiding adverse outcomes.

more cautious than

Stresses the element of carefulness and avoidance of risks, offering a direct and widely understood alternative.

more sensible than

Underlines the practicality and reasonableness of a choice, shifting the focus to logical and sound decision-making.

wiser than

Emphasizes the aspect of superior wisdom in decision-making, shifting the focus from caution to knowledge.

more judicious than

Highlights the exercise of sound judgment and careful consideration, adding a formal tone.

more reasonable than

Emphasizes the logical and rational nature of a decision, stressing its alignment with sound reasoning.

more circumspect than

Focuses on being wary and unwilling to take risks, emphasizing caution and awareness of potential consequences.

more thoughtful than

Focuses on careful consideration and deliberation, highlighting the element of deep reflection.

safer than

Highlights the aspect of security and reduced risk, making it suitable for situations where safety is paramount.

more conservative than

Stresses a preference for established methods and avoidance of innovation, emphasizing stability and risk aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "more prudent than" in a sentence?

Use "more prudent than" to compare two options, actions, or approaches, indicating that one is wiser or more cautious. For example, "Investing in a diversified portfolio is "more prudent than" putting all your money into a single stock".

What are some alternatives to saying "more prudent than"?

You can use phrases like "wiser than", "more cautious than", or "more sensible than" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it always better to be "more prudent than" someone else?

While prudence is generally a positive quality, being "more prudent than" may sometimes lead to missed opportunities or excessive caution. The key is to strike a balance between risk and reward based on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "more prudent than" and "more cautious than"?

While both terms relate to risk avoidance, "more prudent than" suggests a greater degree of wisdom and foresight, whereas "more cautious than" simply implies a higher level of care to avoid potential dangers.