not very wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very wise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decision or action that lacks good judgment or common sense. Example: "Investing all your savings in a single stock is not very wise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is not very wise, especially in the theatre".

The Guardian

"To exercise political censorship, dealing with freedom of religion, over a book about the president of the United States -- that is just not very wise right now".

The New York Times

For Luke Skywalker, I recall we wanted someone about 18 years old, a farmer type; not very wise in the world and somewhat naive.

The Guardian - Film

Johnson took up the marathon and soon hurt himself while overtraining ("Grief running is probably not very wise for the body," he writes).

The New York Times - Sports

To say more about modus operandi is not very wise and can jeopardize the security of others and so I shall refrain from doing so, I hope you understand.

The New Yorker

Well, that's not very wise.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If you set aside China and India, which admittedly isn't very wise, you find that, worldwide, the gap between rich and poor countries is as large as it's ever been, maybe even larger.

The New Yorker

Also, this will drastically improve your awareness of your surroundings, running round staring at the floor isn't very wise.

WikiHow

I know that I'm not considered very wise and not facing reality.

The New York Times

I'm not sure it wasn't a very wise public relations move for them to take the focus off the way they were beaten.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems a recent phenomenon, and not really very wise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing a decision, follow "not very wise" with a specific explanation of why it's flawed. For example: "Ignoring customer feedback is "not very wise", as it can lead to decreased customer satisfaction and lost revenue."

Common error

While "not very wise" is a polite way to express disapproval, avoid using it excessively as it can dilute the impact of your message. Consider stronger, more direct language when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very wise" primarily functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of wisdom or good judgment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable expression in English. It serves to qualify an action, decision, or person as being less than prudent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very wise" serves as a nuanced way to express a lack of good judgment or prudence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its strength lies in its versatility, fitting well in news reports, wikis, and even scientific discussions. When you want to gently steer someone away from an ill-advised path, consider using "not very wise", but be ready to provide context on why the decision may be flawed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwise decision

Focuses specifically on the decision itself being imprudent.

ill-advised

A more formal and direct way of saying something is not recommended.

imprudent action

Highlights the lack of foresight in a particular action.

foolish choice

Emphasizes the silliness or lack of intelligence behind a selection.

short-sighted

Suggests a lack of consideration for future consequences.

not the smartest move

A more casual way to express that a particular action is questionable.

a blunder

Indicates a significant mistake or error in judgment.

a misstep

Suggests a minor error or mistake in judgment.

rash decision

Implies the decision was made too quickly without enough thought.

ill-considered

Highlights that something has not been properly thought through.

FAQs

What does "not very wise" mean?

The phrase "not very wise" means lacking good judgment or common sense. It suggests that a particular action, decision, or idea is ill-advised or imprudent.

How can I use "not very wise" in a sentence?

You can use "not very wise" to politely express disapproval or caution about a decision or action. For example, "Investing all your savings in a single speculative stock is "not very wise"."

What can I say instead of "not very wise"?

Alternatives to "not very wise" include "unwise decision", "ill-advised", or "imprudent action", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "not very wise" a formal or informal expression?

"Not very wise" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, stronger or more precise language might be preferred.