wise words

USAGE SUMMARY

"wise words" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a statement or advice that is considered to be wise or insightful. For example, "His wise words really stayed with me over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wise words.

The New York Times

Wise words, truly.

The New Yorker

These are wise words.

The Economist

Wise words indeed, Mr. Ban.

Independent

Wise words, Sharon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wise words, even today.

The Guardian

Wise words, and very prophetic.

The Guardian - Sport

Wise words to remember on his birthday.

The Economist

Her wise words often seem eerily prescient.

The Guardian - Books

Wise words from one who knows.

The Guardian - Books

Wise words that I try to remember.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wise words" to validate or highlight a specific quote or piece of advice from a respected figure. It serves as a strong conversational or editorial anchor that signals the importance of the preceding or following text.

Common error

Be careful when using "wise words" in response to very simple or obvious statements. Unless you are intentionally being sarcastic, it can come across as patronizing or condescending if the words being described are not genuinely insightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wise words" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to evaluate and affirm the quality of a statement. In many Ludwig examples, it acts as an appositive or a predicative complement, often following a colon or appearing as a standalone sentence to provide immediate commentary on a quotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wise words" is a highly effective and versatile phrase used to validate insights across a wide spectrum of English discourse. Data from Ludwig shows that it is a favorite in British and American journalism, frequently used to introduce or conclude a quote from a person of influence. Whether used to appreciate a literary figure, a politician or a simple proverb, the phrase remains a staple for writers who wish to emphasize the lasting value of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and carries a high degree of authority when used in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words of wisdom

More idiomatic and often used as a formal label for a collection of advice.

sage advice

Emphasizes the deep experience and historical perspective of the person giving it.

pearls of wisdom

Uses a metaphor to suggest the advice is rare, precious and carefully formed.

insightful remarks

Leans toward a more clinical or professional observation rather than general advice.

profound statements

Suggests a deeper, more philosophical level of truth.

sound advice

Focuses on the practical reliability and logical correctness of the suggestion.

clever observations

Highlights the intelligence or wit behind the statement.

prudent counsel

Implies caution and careful management of a situation.

astute guidance

Focuses on the ability of the words to lead someone toward a successful outcome.

enlightened thoughts

Suggests a level of awareness or spiritual understanding beyond the ordinary.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "wise words"?

You can use alternatives like "words of wisdom", "sage advice" or "pearls of wisdom" depending on the context.

How to use "wise words" in a sentence?

It is often used as a standalone comment or after a quote, such as: "'Fail better'. "Wise words" to first-time film makers."

What's the difference between "wise words" and "sage advice"?

While both refer to good guidance, "sage advice" specifically implies the speaker has great experience or age, whereas "wise words" can refer to any insightful statement regardless of the speaker's background.

Is "wise words" considered formal?

It is generally considered neutral to semi-formal. It appears frequently in prestigious publications like The Guardian and The Economist, making it perfectly acceptable for professional journalism and essays.