prudent move

USAGE SUMMARY

"prudent move" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision or action that is wise, well-considered, or judicious. For example, "Taking out the extra insurance was a prudent move that paid off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It seemed the prudent move.

The New Yorker

Respecting Leveson's request was obviously a prudent move.

The Guardian

In the short term, this has been a prudent move … but what about next year?

The New York Times

This may partly be a prudent move to sit out recent turmoil in global markets.

The Economist

"But it is a prudent move to do this in this economic environment".

The New York Times

Adding a reliever, maybe a veteran one, is perhaps the most prudent move.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

These are prudent moves.

The New York Times

These were prudent moves, but Zhang was still unprepared for the challenges of restarting her company once business picked up again.

Harvard Business Review

At the same time that households have been on a spending spree, the American government has become more prudent, moving from a budget deficit of 5% of GDP in the early 1990s to an estimated surplus of 2% of GDP this year.Adding up all its components, America's total domestic saving (by households, firms and the government) actually rose slightly as a share of GDP in the 1990s.

The Economist

A prudent preventive move, or so the district assumed.

The New York Times

It would be prudent to move them into well-guarded centralized locations.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past action, use the past tense: "It was a prudent move." When discussing a future action, use "It would be a prudent move."

Common error

While "prudent move" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "wise decision" or "sensible action" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prudent move" functions as a noun phrase, where "prudent" modifies the noun "move". It describes a specific action or decision, emphasizing its wisdom and careful consideration. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prudent move" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a wise and well-considered action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently used in news and media to express approval or justification for a particular decision. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "wise decision" or "sensible action" can enhance your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "prudent move" to convey your message with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wise decision

Focuses on the decision-making aspect, emphasizing the wisdom behind it.

sensible action

Highlights the reasonableness and practicality of the action taken.

judicious step

Implies a careful and well-thought-out approach.

astute maneuver

Suggests a clever and strategic action, often in a competitive context.

shrewd tactic

Emphasizes the cleverness and resourcefulness of the approach.

calculated risk

Highlights the weighing of potential benefits and drawbacks before acting.

strategic play

Focuses on the long-term implications and planning involved.

sound course of action

Indicates that the chosen path is reasonable and well-supported.

responsible measure

Highlights the consideration of ethical and moral implications.

logical step

Highlights the reasoning behind the step.

FAQs

How to use "prudent move" in a sentence?

You can use "prudent move" to describe an action or decision that is wise and well-considered. For example, "Investing in renewable energy was a "prudent move" for the company's future."

What can I say instead of "prudent move"?

You can use alternatives like "wise decision", "sensible action", or "judicious step" depending on the context.

Is "prudent move" formal or informal?

"Prudent move" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone of your writing rather than the specific setting.

What's the difference between "prudent move" and "calculated risk"?

"Prudent move" emphasizes wisdom and careful consideration, while "calculated risk" highlights the assessment and acceptance of potential negative outcomes. A "prudent move" aims to avoid risk, while a "calculated risk" acknowledges and manages it.