unwise things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwise things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or decisions that are not prudent or sensible. Example: "He often finds himself in trouble because he tends to do unwise things without thinking them through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

One or two people might have said unwise things about Labour being a "mass party" again.

Independent

"The people are sovereign — and can do unwise things," he said.

The New York Times

I suppose I like the idea of them experiencing such a vast, multifarious, potentially life-changing phenomenon as free agents, able to do whatever brilliant, ridiculous, possibly unwise things they choose.

The Guardian - Music

"Even though fuel cells are great devices, you can still do unwise things with them," Patrick B. Davis, a team leader in the Energy Department's fuel cell program, told a recent meeting of experts at the University of South Carolina examining the engineering challenges.

The New York Times

"Oh, I spent them on sneakers on the same kind of unwise things kids spend their money on today".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That's an unwise thing to do in any case; an extremely unwise thing to do when you've got a police cruiser right behind you.

The New York Times

TO PUT Dave Brubeck in a box was an unwise thing to do.

The Economist

Adding the childhood homework, Wolfson said yesterday, "was clearly an unwise thing to do".

The New York Times

You'd say Robson was going to win this, if that wasn't an entirely unwise thing to do.

The Guardian - Sport

Often, foreign policy — which by definition is largely out of American control — is simply a matter of not doing the wrong thing, the unwise thing.

The New Yorker

To risk that asset, for, what I think would be quite tentative and, uh, perhaps doubtful gains, on the real side would be an unwise thing to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unwise things" to describe a pattern of behavior or a category of actions, rather than a single, isolated incident, to effectively highlight the recurring nature of the imprudence.

Common error

While "unwise things" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Substitute with more precise terms like "imprudent decisions" or "ill-advised actions" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwise things" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "unwise" modifies the noun "things". This phrase typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing actions, decisions, or behaviors that are considered imprudent or lacking in good judgment. Examples from Ludwig show usage in contexts such as spending money and making political statements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unwise things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe imprudent or ill-advised actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively conveys disapproval or caution. While generally neutral in tone, substituting it with more formal alternatives may enhance sophistication in certain settings. Remember to consider the specific nuance and context when using this phrase to maintain clarity and appropriateness in your writing. Considering that the phrase is grammatically correct, its usage depends on its careful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foolish actions

Replaces "unwise" with a synonym that emphasizes a lack of intelligence or reason.

imprudent decisions

Substitutes "unwise" with "imprudent", highlighting a lack of careful consideration.

rash choices

Focuses on the impulsivity and lack of foresight in the decisions made.

ill-advised steps

Emphasizes that the actions taken were based on poor advice or planning.

thoughtless acts

Highlights the lack of consideration for consequences when performing actions.

careless mistakes

Focuses on the lack of attention or caution leading to errors.

irresponsible behaviors

Shifts the focus to a lack of accountability or duty in one's actions.

short-sighted moves

Highlights a lack of long-term planning or consideration in the decisions.

unreasonable actions

Indicates a lack of logic or justification behind the actions taken.

indiscreet deeds

Emphasizes a lack of carefulness about what one says or does.

FAQs

How can I use "unwise things" in a sentence?

You can use "unwise things" to describe actions or decisions that are not sensible or prudent. For example, "He often finds himself in trouble because he tends to do unwise things without thinking them through."

What are some alternatives to saying "unwise things"?

You can use alternatives like "foolish actions", "imprudent decisions", or "ill-advised choices depending on the context.

Is "unwise things" formal or informal?

"Unwise things" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, but more formal alternatives like "imprudent decisions" might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "unwise things" and "foolish things"?

While both terms suggest a lack of good judgment, "unwise" often implies a lack of practical knowledge or foresight, while "foolish" suggests a lack of intelligence or common sense. They are often interchangeable, but "foolish things" may carry a slightly stronger negative connotation.