prudence must be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prudence must be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity or importance of exercising caution or good judgment in a particular situation. Example: "In financial matters, prudence must be exercised to avoid unnecessary risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

RESPECT FOR NATURE -- Prudence must be shown in the management of all living species and natural resources, in accordance with the precepts of sustainable development.

The New York Times

Under this alternative, the advice of prudence must be to embrace the lesser evil; and, instead of indulging a fruitless anticipation of the possible mischiefs which may ensue, to contemplate rather the advantageous consequences which may qualify the sacrifice.

The New Yorker

We live in an uncertain world, in which action and prudence must be continually juggled.

University of Chicago

Prudence must be shown in the management of all living species and natural resources, in accordance with the precepts of sustainable development.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"There must be persistent prudence to ensure every penny piece is spent wisely.

BBC

These principles must be accompanied by prudence for as he cautions "there can be no political morality without prudence; that is, without consideration of the political consequences of seemingly moral action" (ibid).. Prudence, and not conviction of one's own moral or ideological superiority, should guide political action.

SEP

I cannot constantly insult...provoke a person continuously because I risk making him/her angry, and I risk receiving an unjust reaction...For this reason, freedom must be accompanied by prudence".

The Economist

If the concept of the west is to become the new cornerstone of France's diplomatic identity, it must be applied with prudence and moderation, even as Barack Obama's arrival in the White House is likely to improve its image of the premier western power.

The Guardian - Opinion

The laws that underlie the euro and the European Central Bank are in large part a reflection of the ironclad German monetary policies: Inflation is evil; fiscal and monetary prudence is good; and a currency must be managed by a politically independent central bank.

The New York Times

In the fourth and by far the longest book, the prince's own prudence (both civil and military), which must be carefully developed in the light of experience, is discussed.

SEP

Meierhenrich argues that lustration policies must be guided by principles of "prudence" and "proportionality" which can and should limit the degree of lustration practiced.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "prudence must be" to highlight a mandatory cautious approach in situations involving risk, uncertainty, or ethical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "prudence must be" in situations where a simpler, more direct approach is sufficient. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly cautious or even condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prudence must be" functions as an emphatic assertion emphasizing the necessity of careful and judicious action. It is used to highlight the critical importance of caution and good judgment in a given situation, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prudence must be" serves as a directive emphasizing the importance of careful judgment and caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and particularly suitable when highlighting the necessity of thoughtful decision-making in risky or ethically sensitive situations. Though its usage is uncommon, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media as well as Formal & Business and Science contexts. While versatile, remember to avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and impact in your writing. Consider alternatives like "caution is essential" or "discretion is required" to provide variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caution is essential

Highlights the indispensable nature of caution, differing in word choice while maintaining the core meaning.

discretion is required

Emphasizes the need for careful judgment and tact, varying in wording but similar in conveying the importance of prudence.

carefulness is paramount

Stresses the supreme importance of being careful, offering a different phrasing with the same emphasis.

judgement is needed

Focuses on the necessity of good judgment, using simpler language to express a similar idea.

soundness is key

Highlights the importance of being judicious, using different vocabulary to convey a similar concept.

wisdom is advisable

Suggests that wisdom is a recommended course of action, using a gentler tone while still advocating for careful consideration.

circumspection is vital

Emphasizes the critical importance of being circumspect, using more formal language to convey a similar message.

vigilance is compulsory

Highlights the compulsory need for vigilance, using a strong tone.

foresight is indispensable

Indicates the necessity of having foresight, focusing on planning for the future with caution.

tact is critical

Highlights the critical importance of being tactful, focusing on sensitivity and skill in dealing with others.

FAQs

How can I use "prudence must be" in a sentence?

You can use "prudence must be" to emphasize the importance of caution and good judgment in decision-making or actions. For example, "In financial investments, "prudence must be" exercised to minimize risks".

What are some alternative phrases to "prudence must be"?

Alternatives include "caution is essential", "discretion is required", or "carefulness is paramount" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "prudence is necessary" or "prudence must be"?

Both "prudence is necessary" and ""prudence must be"" are grammatically correct, but the latter carries a stronger sense of obligation or requirement.

In what contexts is "prudence must be" most appropriate?

"Prudence must be" is most appropriate in contexts where there is a significant risk or ethical consideration, and a failure to exercise caution could have serious consequences.