wise to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wise to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that someone should be cautious or prudent about a particular situation or decision. Example: "It would be wise to consider all options before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And they are wise to do so.

The New Yorker

Reporters were wise to watch for themselves.

Independent

They would be wise to stop them.

The Economist

We are wise to acknowledge miracles".

The New York Times

ETP was wise to swoop on it.

The Economist

Incumbents would be wise to embrace disclosure.

The New York Times

Voters are wise to the old politics.

The Economist

But he is wise to the consequences.

Independent

The Falcons are wise to plan ahead.

The New York Times

They are wise to be wary.

The Economist

And Russia would be wise to listen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wise to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the benefit or positive outcome resulting from the advised action.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "wise to" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Vary your language with synonyms like "smart to" or "good to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wise to" functions as an adjective phrase combined with an infinitive, expressing advice or a recommended course of action. It is used to suggest that a particular action would be prudent or sensible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wise to" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to advise or suggest a prudent course of action. It's prevalent in news and media, with Ludwig AI confirming its frequent and acceptable usage. While generally neutral, its formality can be adjusted with synonyms depending on the context. When writing, consider the specific benefit of the advised action and avoid overuse in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudent to

Emphasizes caution and careful consideration before acting.

sensible to

Highlights the reasonableness and practicality of an action.

shrewd to

Suggests astuteness and cleverness in making a decision.

astute to

Implies keen perception and intelligence in understanding a situation.

intelligent to

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of making a smart choice.

advisable to

Indicates that a particular action is recommended or suggested.

recommended to

Directly suggests the best or most suitable course of action.

smart to

A more casual synonym for "wise to", implying intelligence in an action.

judicious to

Highlights sound judgment and careful evaluation in decision-making.

circumspect to

Emphasizes the need for caution and careful observation.

FAQs

What does "wise to" mean?

The phrase "wise to" means it's a sensible or intelligent course of action to take. It suggests prudence and good judgment.

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

You can use "wise to" followed by a verb. For example, "It would be "prudent to" save money for retirement."

Is there a difference between "wise to" and "smart to"?

While similar, "wise to" often implies a deeper understanding or foresight, whereas "smart to" is a more general term for intelligence or cleverness. You can use them interchangeably in many situations.

What are some alternatives to "wise to"?

Alternatives to "wise to" include "advisable to", "prudent to", "sensible to", or "smart to depending" on the context.