to be prudent

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be prudent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest being judicious with resources or decisions. For example, "We need to be prudent when it comes to spending money on this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I advise you to be prudent.

The Economist

"I ask you to be prudent".

The Economist

The producers had cause to be prudent.

The Economist

"We had to be prudent".

The New York Times - Arts

We tried to be prudent".

The Guardian

"But it is good to be prudent".

The New York Times

You need to be prudent, but how?

The Guardian - Money

To be prudent was to be far-sighted and realistic.

Columbia University

But now, he added, is the time to be prudent.

The New York Times

The British Foreign Secretary urged France to be prudent.

The New Yorker

"We have to be prudent with this strategy," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, use "to be prudent" to emphasize careful resource management and avoidance of unnecessary risks.

Common error

While "to be prudent" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "to be careful" or "to be wise" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be prudent" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement or expressing purpose. It modifies verbs and adjectives, indicating a need for caution or thoughtfulness in actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be prudent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that advises caution and thoughtfulness in decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts. Its use is particularly common in news, academic, and scientific writing. When aiming for simplicity in informal settings, consider alternatives like "to be careful". When describing financial matters, using the phrase "to be prudent" can underscore careful resource management and aversion to unnecessary risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exercise caution

Focuses on the act of taking precautions and being wary of potential risks, shifting the emphasis to active risk management.

to act judiciously

Emphasizes the quality of having sound judgment in practical matters, highlighting the wisdom behind the actions.

to proceed cautiously

Highlights the manner in which an action is carried out, stressing slow and careful progress to avoid mistakes.

to be circumspect

Indicates wariness and unwillingness to take risks, focusing on the careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

to use good judgment

Centers on the application of one's ability to make considered decisions, highlighting the mental process involved.

to take precautions

Emphasizes preparatory measures taken to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening, shifting focus to preventative action.

to remain vigilant

Stresses the importance of staying alert and watchful to detect potential problems, highlighting continuous monitoring.

to be conservative

Implies a preference for established ideas and methods, avoiding innovation and risk.

to think carefully

Highlights the depth of consideration given to a decision or action, focusing on the mental effort involved.

to avoid risks

Directly addresses the act of staying away from potential dangers or uncertainties, making risk aversion the primary focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be prudent" to suggest being judicious with resources or decisions. For example, "We need "to be prudent" when it comes to spending money on this project".

What are some alternatives to "to be prudent"?

You can use alternatives like "to exercise caution", "to act judiciously", or "to proceed cautiously" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to be prudent" or "to become prudent"?

Both ""to be prudent"" and "to become prudent" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "To be prudent" describes a current state, while "to become prudent" describes a process of developing prudence.

What does "to be prudent" mean?

The phrase ""to be prudent"" means to act with or show care and foresight, especially in practical matters. It suggests avoiding risks and making sensible decisions.