prudence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prudence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the quality of being cautious and exercising good judgment, especially in practical matters. Example: "In financial planning, prudence is essential to ensure long-term stability and avoid unnecessary risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They get a lecturing from the so-called Socialists of France about prudence, while Varoufakis has been labelled by his German counterpart as "foolishly naive".

The Guardian - Opinion

But it did eventually and just in time to support the political narrative Osborne has carefully pieced together during his period at the Treasury: Labour profligacy had left the economy in a terrible state; Conservative prudence was repairing the damage; Labour had learned nothing and would resort to its bad old ways if re-elected.

The Guardian - Business

The Times concludes that Sturgeon's offer to Miliband to help him to "end the Tory agenda" is only possible "by ignoring every basic rule of fiscal prudence" and "worse still would be her price — her own agenda — which is the break-up of Great Britain".

The Guardian

This is an eyebrow-raising departure from the club's long-practised policy of financial prudence and a measure of the directors' own desperation to sign a player who could make a telling difference.

The Guardian - Sport

But the risks he needed to take were hard to reconcile with those other Swiss virtues of prudence and sobriety virtues on which the banking industry had been founded.

The Economist

Understandably EBK, the Swiss banking watchdog, has made it clear that prudence and sobriety are to be the watchwords once more.

The Economist

Their money went to subsidise smoke-belching factories or white-elephant projects.Beyond BasleNow many countries, though far from all, are reining in their interventionist urges and paying more attention to rules that encourage prudence.

The Economist

But more recently, the chancellor jilted his patron saint of prudence by embarking on a spending spree partially financed by budget deficits.

The Economist

It is charged with destroying the jobs of ordinary people while enriching the likes of Mr Romney.In this section An economy crumbles The perils of prudence In praise of pessimists Can you hear me now?

The Economist

So, too, was weaker current-year growth.In this section An economy crumbles The perils of prudence In praise of pessimists Can you hear me now?

The Economist

Gold, that ancient store of value, still anchored the dollar, at $35 an ounce.Special report Living dangerously Freud, finance and folly The price of prudence Too clever by half Financial WMD?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, emphasize "prudence" to convey a sense of responsible and thoughtful management, demonstrating a commitment to long-term stability and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Common error

Avoid using "prudence" as a justification for inaction or excessive risk aversion. "Prudence" involves careful assessment and calculated action, not simply avoiding all potential risks, which could stifle innovation and growth.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prudence" is as a noun, referring to the quality of being prudent or wise in practical affairs, as supported by Ludwig AI. It often acts as the subject or object in sentences expressing the value or application of careful judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prudence" is a noun denoting the quality of being wise and careful in practical affairs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. To ensure effective communication, use "prudence" to highlight responsible decision-making, but be cautious not to equate it with mere timidity. Instead of "prudence", consider using "discretion" or "foresight" depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "prudence" into your writing to convey thoughtfulness and sound judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discretion

Emphasizes the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

circumspection

Highlights carefulness and watchfulness in considering all circumstances before acting.

wisdom

Focuses on the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

caution

Stresses the importance of avoiding potential problems or dangers.

foresight

Highlights the ability to predict or anticipate future events or consequences.

frugality

Focuses on being economical with money or resources.

thriftiness

Emphasizes the careful management of money, especially to avoid waste.

providence

Suggests the protective care of God or nature; foresightful care.

sound judgment

Highlights the ability to make sensible decisions based on available information.

carefulness

Focuses on taking care to avoid mistakes or accidents.

FAQs

How can I use the word "prudence" in a sentence?

You can use "prudence" to describe careful and wise behavior. For example, "The company's financial "prudence" ensured its survival during the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to the word "prudence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "discretion", "caution", or "foresight" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "prudence" and "caution"?

While both terms suggest careful behavior, "prudence" implies wisdom and good judgment, whereas "caution" primarily focuses on avoiding danger or risk. "Prudence" is a more comprehensive approach to decision-making.

When is it appropriate to use the word "prudence"?

"Prudence" is appropriate when discussing decisions that require careful consideration and good judgment, especially in matters of finance, strategy, or personal conduct. It emphasizes a long-term, responsible approach.