wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "wise" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is experienced or has good judgement, as in the sentence: "My grandfather is very wise; I always rely on his advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The urgent challenges require wise and long-term solutions.

The Guardian

If she hopes to remain a player she would be wise to shelve any thought of publishing vengeful diaries, usually a divisive step even before the Mail has bought lucrative serialisation rights and sexed them up.

The Guardian

A wise woman once said, "Stanley Tucci is a brat".

The Guardian

I think publicity wise it was an excellent move and I think he will have gained a lot of respect for this".

The Guardian

Individual pollsters have every reason to pose as wise after the event, so a measure of scepticism is obviously warranted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary who oversaw the coalition negotiations in 2010, thought it was wise for the Queen to remain out of London.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Your 9 5 became your 24/7, and when a family member asks how things are going work-wise you give them The Pitch and subconsciously expect constructive feedback.

The Guardian

All I can tell you is that the landscape, shop-wise, is changing before our very eyes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plaza de Cabildo 14, casabalbino.com El Lola, Tarifa You're spoilt for choice tapas-wise in old Tarifa but for a relaxed cafe atmosphere matched with top-class food, family-run El Lola is hard to beat.

The Guardian - Travel

"I think it'll be easier for me to pick up career-wise and easier personally," said Tanner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If my kids had a diet of blockbusters only, that would be a shame, but if you look at what most kids consume games-wise, it's far more varied and interesting than what my generation has consumed.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wise" to describe decisions, actions, or people that demonstrate good judgment and understanding, especially based on experience. For example: "It was a wise investment."

Common error

Avoid using "wise" to simply mean "smart" or "clever" in situations where judgment or experience isn't relevant. Instead, reserve "wise" for scenarios where maturity and understanding are key.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wise" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something exhibiting good judgment, experience, or understanding. Ludwig provides many examples showing this usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wise" is an adjective denoting good judgement and experience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. When writing, remember that "wise" goes beyond mere intelligence, emphasizing experience and understanding. For alternatives, consider "intelligent", "knowledgeable", or "prudent" based on the context. Remember, the best practice is to use "wise" when highlighting considered decisions and avoid using it as a simple substitute for "smart".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent

Emphasizes intellectual capacity and understanding.

knowledgeable

Highlights the possession of information and understanding.

sagacious

Implies profound wisdom and insightful judgement.

prudent

Focuses on careful and practical decision-making.

astute

Suggests keen observation and shrewdness.

shrewd

Implies cleverness and resourcefulness in practical matters.

sensible

Highlights reasonableness and practicality.

judicious

Emphasizes sound judgement and fairness.

enlightened

Suggests a state of intellectual or spiritual understanding.

well-advised

Indicates having received good counsel or guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "wise" in a sentence?

You can use "wise" to describe someone who is experienced or has good judgement, as in the sentence: "My grandfather is a "wise" man; I always rely on his advice."

What are some alternatives to using the word "wise"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "intelligent", "knowledgeable", or "prudent".

Is it correct to say someone is "wise beyond their years"?

Yes, the phrase "wise beyond their years" is a common idiom used to describe someone young who displays a level of wisdom typically associated with older individuals.

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

"Smart" generally refers to quick intelligence and problem-solving ability, while "wise" implies deeper understanding, experience, and good judgment. Someone can be smart without being "wise", and vice versa.