wisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wisely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions taken with good judgment or prudence. Example: "She spent her savings wisely, investing in her education and future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

TV & Radio

Opinion

Lifestyle

Politics

Arts

Business

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each prominent character has been given meaty storylines to gorge on, and while some haven't panned out quite as well as others (Jimmy's sideline as a sex worker was introduced and wisely dropped, as was an ill-advised plot-strand about drug-induced rape), the web of intrigue that's been constructed so far doesn't have any major weaknesses in it at all.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then he wisely attached himself to the slumping Fast/Furious franchise, a move that paid off earlier this year when the latest instalment coolly pounded a billion bucks out of the global box office.

The Guardian - Film

"He stashed drugs in my dolly when I was little," Bethany wisely informed her haters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Nobody suspects a woman in mum boots of anything underhand," said ShatnersBassoon wisely.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no question the shamed Frenchman deserved the lengthy ban which Manchester United have wisely and quite properly delivered themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Audiences, who would usually watch this sort of trash while hungover or unable to find the remote, or both, wisely stayed away and the film bombed.

The Guardian - Film

Gingrich wisely attacked Romney not only for not being conservative enough, as many Republicans already suspected, but raised questions about his electability, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jokers Freckled and cheerful, the Labour candidate looks like one of William Brown's gang of Outlaws, albeit a disciplined Outlaw who wisely sticks to the New Labour line.

The Guardian

Dan Toombs, AKA the Curry Guy, who we encountered in our adventures in chicken tikka masala, wisely blanches the leaves first, then squeezes them dry before stirring them in at the end, which both keeps the dish dry, and means that you don't overcook the veg.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He gazes softly, wisely, from falling curly locks – another Leonardo trait is a love of ringlets and spirals – and raises his right hand in benediction.

The Guardian - Arts

"What Stalin made me drink seemed pretty savage: Winston, who by that time was complaining of a slight headache, seemed wisely to be confining himself to a comparatively innocuous effervescent Caucasian red wine".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wisely" to emphasize that a decision or action was made with good judgment, especially when highlighting the positive consequences of that choice. For instance, "She invested her money wisely, securing her financial future."

Common error

Avoid using "wisely" for actions that are inherently obvious or do not require significant judgment. Saying "He wisely put on his coat in the winter" is redundant because wearing a coat in cold weather is a common-sense action.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wisely" is as an adverb, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed with good judgment or prudence. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying verbs like 'decided', 'attached', and 'invested'. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Film

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wisely" functions as an adverb indicating actions performed with good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is correct and usable. Its usage spans various contexts, with prevalence in News & Media. Related terms include "prudently" and "judiciously", each carrying nuanced implications of careful consideration. When using "wisely", avoid redundancy with simple actions and ensure the term aligns with the intended emphasis on thoughtful decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudently

This term emphasizes caution and foresight in decision-making, focusing on avoiding risks and ensuring positive outcomes.

judiciously

This word highlights the use of sound judgment and careful consideration in the allocation of resources or the making of decisions.

intelligently

This term focuses on the application of intellect and understanding in approaching a situation or problem.

sensibly

This alternative suggests acting in a practical and reasonable manner, often in response to a specific set of circumstances.

shrewdly

This word implies cleverness and astuteness, often with a focus on gaining an advantage or achieving a specific goal.

astutely

This term emphasizes keen perception and insightful understanding, enabling one to make well-informed decisions.

sagaciously

This word conveys profound wisdom and foresight, suggesting decisions based on deep understanding and experience.

discreetly

This alternative focuses on acting with caution and maintaining privacy, especially in sensitive situations.

circumspectly

This term highlights careful consideration of all circumstances and potential consequences before acting.

with foresight

This phrase emphasizes the ability to anticipate future needs and consequences when making decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "wisely" in a sentence?

Use "wisely" to describe actions taken with good judgment or prudence. For example, "She "used her resources wisely" to complete the project ahead of schedule."

What are some alternatives to saying "wisely"?

You can use alternatives like "prudently", "judiciously", or "intelligently" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "wisely used" or "used wisely"?

Both "wisely used" and "used wisely" are grammatically correct, but "wisely used" typically emphasizes the inherent quality of being used with wisdom, while "used wisely" emphasizes the act of using something in a wise manner. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "wisely" and "smartly"?

"Wisely" implies making decisions based on experience, foresight, and good judgment, often with a focus on long-term consequences. "Smartly" implies cleverness, quick thinking, and efficiency in addressing immediate problems. For example, you might invest money "wisely" to secure your future, but react "smartly" to a sudden change in the market.