to be wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be wise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality of having knowledge, experience, and good judgment. Example: "In order to navigate life's challenges effectively, it is important to be wise in your decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My hope in life is eventually to be wise.

The New Yorker

It is part of practical wisdom to be wise about human beings and human life.

SEP

"You need to be wise -- have Grit, but use it wisely".

Huffington Post

That being said, seek advice from those who you consider to be wise.

Huffington Post

I wanted to be wise so bad.

The New York Times

It wasn't trying to be wise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is necessary also to be wise.

The New Yorker

But it's easy to be wise after the event".

The Guardian

"We have to be wise working him," Hallmark said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is all very well to be wise with hindsight.

The Guardian

It asks us to try to be wise.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be wise" when you want to convey the idea of possessing or demonstrating good judgment, knowledge, and experience in decision-making or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "to be wise" in situations where simpler terms like "smart" or "careful" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be wise" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It typically acts as a complement, describing a desired quality or state. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is standard and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be wise" is a versatile and frequently used expression, indicating the importance of demonstrating good judgment and knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and explore related phrases such as "to have wisdom" or "to act judiciously" to achieve the desired impact. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, avoiding overuse in overly simplistic contexts can help maintain clarity and avoid pretentiousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have wisdom

Focuses on possessing wisdom as a quality.

to act judiciously

Emphasizes acting with good judgment.

to exercise prudence

Highlights careful and cautious behavior.

to demonstrate sagacity

Implies profound wisdom and insight.

to be discerning

Focuses on the ability to distinguish and evaluate.

to show good sense

Indicates practical intelligence and sound judgment.

to make sensible decisions

Emphasizes the rationality of choices.

to be well-advised

Suggests receiving good counsel and guidance.

to use good judgment

Highlights the application of sound reasoning.

to handle with care

Emphasizes a cautious and thoughtful approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be wise" to describe someone who makes good decisions based on knowledge and experience, such as: "It's important "to be wise" when investing your money."

What are some alternatives to "to be wise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be prudent", "to be judicious", or "to be sensible".

Is it better to say "to be wise" or "to have wisdom"?

Both phrases are correct, but "to be wise" focuses on the act of being wise, while "to have wisdom" emphasizes the possession of wisdom as a quality.

What is the difference between "to be wise" and "to be smart"?

"To be smart" generally refers to intelligence or quick-wittedness, whereas "to be wise" implies a deeper understanding and good judgment developed through experience. So, while you can "to be smart" without being wise, wisdom often incorporates intelligence.