wise move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wise move" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that someone has taken that is deemed to be sensible or prudent. For example, "By investing in ETFs instead of individual stocks, it was a wise move to reduce risk and diversify his portfolio."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wise move.

The New York Times - Sports

A wise move.

The New York Times - Travel

That's a wise move.

The New York Times

This is a wise move.

The New York Times

It was a wise move.

The New York Times - Arts

A wise move in retrospect?

The Guardian - Music

It's probably a wise move.

The Guardian - Film

It proved a wise move.

The Guardian

Was it a wise move?

The New York Times

It didn't seem like a wise move.

Cornell University

"It's a wise move," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone; it can be used in both formal and informal settings, but its impact may vary.

Common error

While "wise move" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where simpler expressions like "good idea" or "smart choice" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wise move" functions as a noun phrase, where "wise" modifies the noun "move". Ludwig confirms that it is used to describe an action or decision that is considered sensible and beneficial. The examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to commend strategic and well-considered choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wise move" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a sensible and beneficial action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to commend choices made with good judgment. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. While alternatives such as "sensible move" or "prudent decision" exist, "wise move" remains a versatile option for expressing approval. To ensure clarity, writers should confirm that the phrase accurately reflects the strategic and well-considered nature of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensible move

Emphasizes the practicality and reasonableness of the action.

prudent decision

Highlights the careful and cautious nature of the choice.

smart decision

Focuses on the intelligence and cleverness behind the action.

astute action

Suggests a keen awareness and shrewdness in the approach.

shrewd maneuver

Implies a clever and strategic move, often in a competitive situation.

judicious step

Stresses the sound judgment and careful consideration involved.

intelligent course of action

Highlights the thoughtfulness and rationality behind the decision.

strategic play

Emphasizes the planned and purposeful nature of the move.

good call

An informal way of saying the action was a correct and beneficial choice.

canny tactic

Implies a clever and resourcefulness in achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "wise move" in a sentence?

You can use "wise move" to describe an action that someone has taken that is considered sensible and beneficial. For example, "Investing early in renewable energy was a "wise move" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "wise move"?

Alternatives include "sensible move", "prudent decision", or "smart decision", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wise move" formal or informal?

"Wise move" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "wise move" and "good idea"?

"Wise move" implies a more strategic and considered decision, whereas "good idea" can refer to a simpler, more spontaneous thought or suggestion. A "wise move" suggests foresight and potential long-term benefits.