prudent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prudent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that a certain action or decision is wise or sensible in a given situation. Example: "It is prudent to save money for emergencies, as unexpected expenses can arise at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's prudent to remain skeptical.

The New Yorker

"It's not prudent to ignore it".

The New York Times

It was not prudent to do".

The New York Times

It seemed prudent to seek shelter.

The New York Times

"It's prudent to be aware," he said.

The New York Times

This seemed prudent to Jaloe as well.

The New York Times

Is it prudent to do otherwise?

The New York Times

It might be prudent to hoard an extra set.

The New York Times

"We thought it was prudent to do the layoffs".

The New York Times - Arts

It seems prudent to broaden my sources of entertainment.

The New York Times

IT MIGHT be prudent to start with a warning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prudent to" when you want to emphasize that a course of action is wise and well-considered, especially in formal or serious contexts. For example, "It is prudent to consult with a financial advisor before making significant investments."

Common error

While "prudent to" is correct, avoid overusing it in informal settings where more straightforward language like "wise to" or "sensible to" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily stiff.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prudent to" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating a recommended or wise course of action. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it introducing actions that are considered sensible or well-judged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prudent to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase indicating a wise or sensible course of action, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where thoughtful consideration and foresight are emphasized. Alternatives like "wise to" or "sensible to" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wise to

Suggests a generally sound and sensible decision; slightly more common in everyday language.

sensible to

Emphasizes practicality and reason in making a decision; similar in formality to "prudent to".

advisable to

Indicates that a particular action is recommended or suggested; slightly more formal.

recommended to

Suggests that something is being officially endorsed or favored; implies external advice.

it would be wise to

Adds a conditional tone, suggesting consideration and thoughtfulness.

it would be sensible to

Adds a conditional tone, emphasizing the practicality of the action.

judicious to

Highlights carefulness and sound judgment; somewhat more formal and less common.

careful to

Focuses on avoiding potential risks or negative consequences.

cautious to

Emphasizes the need for wariness and vigilance; often used when risks are apparent.

discreet to

Highlights the need for privacy and confidentiality.

FAQs

How can I use "prudent to" in a sentence?

Use "prudent to" when you want to convey that a specific action is wise and sensible. For example, "It is "prudent to" save money for unexpected expenses."

What are some alternatives to "prudent to"?

You can use phrases like "wise to", "sensible to", or "advisable to" depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "prudent to" more formal than "wise to"?

Yes, "prudent to" is generally considered more formal than "wise to". Use "prudent to" in formal or professional contexts, while "wise to" is suitable for everyday conversation and writing.

When should I avoid using "prudent to"?

Avoid using "prudent to" in very informal settings or when speaking with close friends and family, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "smart to" or "good to" might be more appropriate.