was wise enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was wise enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who had the good judgment or prudence to make a particular decision or take a specific action in the past. Example: "She was wise enough to save money for emergencies, which helped her during tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Which club was wise enough to scoop him up?

The Economist

But Lindsay was wise enough to stay clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The N.F.L. may have also resisted expansion, but ultimately was wise enough to embrace this view.

The New Yorker

(He was wise enough not to count on remaining with the club in Seattle).

The New Yorker

While conferring with them regularly, Charles was wise enough to give them sufficient freedom of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The French government was wise enough to sit out the ill-fated Bush Blair crusade.

The New Yorker

Cavett was wise enough to know he had gold, and just let him talk.

The New Yorker

Her grandfather, she says, was wise enough to have hidden his canoe.

The Guardian

Glover was wise enough to be impressed with the adjustment Duke had made.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But she's wise enough not to say it aloud.

The New York Times - Books

Noonan and Wilkins were wise enough to add qualifiers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past action, "was wise enough" effectively conveys that the individual's decision was not only correct but also demonstrated a degree of intelligence and prudence.

Common error

Avoid using "was wise enough" in scenarios where a simple, obvious decision was made. This phrase is best reserved for situations where genuine insight or foresight was required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was wise enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject. It asserts that the subject possessed sufficient wisdom or good judgment to take a particular action or make a specific decision. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was wise enough" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to commend a past action that demonstrated good judgment and foresight. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Appearing frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "had the foresight" or "acted prudently" exist, "was wise enough" effectively conveys approval and highlights the positive outcome resulting from sound decision-making. Remember to reserve its use for situations where genuine insight was displayed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had the good sense

Emphasizes the presence of sound judgment and rationality.

was shrewd enough

Highlights the astuteness and practical intelligence involved.

had the foresight

Focuses on the ability to anticipate future events and act accordingly.

was intelligent enough

Stresses the intellectual capacity to make an informed decision.

acted prudently

Highlights the carefulness and avoidance of risks.

was canny enough

Suggests a level of craftiness and resourcefulness.

had the presence of mind

Emphasizes the ability to think clearly and act decisively in a difficult situation.

was astute enough

Highlights keen perception and practical wisdom.

showed good judgment

Focuses on the quality of the decision-making process itself.

made a judicious decision

Implies careful consideration and balanced assessment of options.

FAQs

How can I use "was wise enough" in a sentence?

You can use "was wise enough" to describe a past action where someone demonstrated good judgment. For example, "She "was wise enough" to invest early in technology stocks".

What are some alternatives to "was wise enough"?

Some alternatives include "had the foresight", "acted prudently", or "was shrewd enough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was wise enough"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure, using a past tense verb "was" followed by an adjective "wise" and an adverb "enough".

What's the difference between "was wise enough" and "was smart enough"?

"Was wise enough" implies a degree of prudence and foresight, suggesting the person avoided potential negative consequences. "Was smart enough", by contrast, simply emphasizes intelligence and the ability to understand or solve a problem. While these can be used to some extent interchangeably, their nuances will be better understood by considering the context.