thought it advisable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought it advisable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a recommendation or suggestion based on careful consideration. Example: "After reviewing the situation, I thought it advisable to consult with a legal expert before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Until recently, nobody would have thought it advisable for a Jewish philanthropy to embrace ethnic humor.

The New York Times

The statement said the Holy See thought it "advisable" for the bishop to spend an unspecified time away from Limburg.

The New York Times

Like the wild raccoon that dawdled onto the stage during the excellent performance that night, we thought it advisable to let him wander off into the dark of Central Park.

The New York Times

Even if elected or appointed officials can perform better than citizens, Mill thought it advisable for citizens to participate "as a means to their own mental education—a mode of strengthening their active faculties, exercising their judgment, and giving them a familiar knowledge of the subjects with which they are thus left to deal.

SEP

But Gideon values speed over accuracy and even though he said he had checked his work, I thought it advisable to take a closer look at it.

Huffington Post

These generations had sacrificed so much for the good of the country, and old-age poverty rates were so high, that policymakers thought it advisable to use the program to prevent these Americans from enduring deprivation in old age.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He asked if I might think it advisable to reconsider the sailor's word.

The New Yorker

"With the sales tax increase looming, consumers think it advisable to bring forward plans for large purchases," GfK said in a statement.

The New York Times

MALLOY: We suggest, Margaret and I — your sisters, too, think it advisable — that you go to some rest cure institution for a time and build up in body and mind.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, July 30 , 1932P. 5 There is a new development in commercial aviation: a detachable seat arrangement so that a pilot, if he thinks it advisable or amusing, may release the chairs on which his passengers are sitting.

The New Yorker

By E. B. White The New Yorker, July 30 , 1932P. 5 There is a new development in commercial aviation: a detachable seat arrangement so that a pilot, if he thinks it advisable or amusing, may release the chairs on which his passengers are sitting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought it advisable" when you want to convey that a decision or action was taken after careful consideration and seemed like the best course of action in a particular situation. It adds a tone of deliberation and prudence.

Common error

Avoid using "thought it advisable" in very informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or stilted. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "I thought it was a good idea" or "I thought it was best" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought it advisable" functions as a clause expressing a reasoned opinion or judgment about a particular course of action. It often introduces a recommendation or justification for a decision made, indicating careful consideration. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thought it advisable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that communicates a considered judgment or recommendation. As noted by Ludwig, it suggests that a decision was made after careful deliberation, and it's generally best suited for formal or professional contexts. While not extremely common, it appears across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in news and media, and scientific writing. For less formal settings, simpler alternatives are often preferable. The phrase's formality level makes it most appropriate for contexts where a degree of seriousness and thoughtfulness is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deemed it prudent

Replaces "thought it advisable" with a more formal term indicating careful consideration and wisdom.

considered it wise

Uses "wise" instead of "advisable", implying that the decision was based on good judgment.

felt it necessary

Shifts the focus to necessity rather than advisability, suggesting a required action.

believed it beneficial

Emphasizes the positive outcome or benefit of the action.

judged it appropriate

Indicates that the action was suitable for the situation.

concluded it was best

Implies a decision made after evaluating different options.

determined it suitable

Highlights the fitness or adequacy of the action.

saw fit to

A more concise and somewhat formal way of expressing the same idea.

took the view that it was best

Focuses on the perspective or opinion leading to the decision.

recommended that course of action

Emphasizes the act of recommending a specific action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "thought it advisable" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "deemed it prudent", "considered it wise", or "judged it appropriate". These alternatives emphasize careful consideration and sound judgment.

Are there simpler alternatives to "thought it advisable" for casual conversations?

Yes, in informal settings, you can use phrases like "I thought it was a good idea", "I thought it was best", or "I figured it'd be smart". These options are less formal and more conversational.

What's the difference between "thought it advisable" and "thought it necessary"?

"Thought it advisable" suggests a recommended course of action based on good judgment, while "thought it necessary" implies that the action was essential or unavoidable. The former is a suggestion, the latter a requirement.

Is it correct to say "think it advisable" instead of "thought it advisable"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they convey different tenses. "Think it advisable" indicates a present or ongoing assessment, while "thought it advisable" refers to a past decision or judgment.