words of wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

"words of wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to advice or wisdom that has been passed down or shared. For example, "Her grandmother's words of wisdom were always a source of strength and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her words of wisdom?

Independent

His words of wisdom?

The New York Times - Style

Words of wisdom Kafkaesque.

The Guardian - Sport

Words of wisdom mean nothing now.

The New Yorker

Heed her words of wisdom here.

The New York Times

Some paternal words of wisdom.

The New York Times

Words of wisdom Mostly culinary.

The Guardian - Sport

Share your words of wisdom here.

Columbia University

Read their valuable words of wisdom here.

Columbia University

Words of wisdom on paper cups.

Harvard University

Words of wisdom from Nelson Mandela.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "words of wisdom" to introduce advice that is particularly insightful, profound, or comes from a respected source. It adds a layer of significance to the advice being shared.

Common error

Avoid using "words of wisdom" too frequently, as it can sound cliché. Reserve it for instances where the advice truly stands out for its depth and impact, and use "wise counsel" or "sage advice" instead to avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "words of wisdom" primarily functions as a noun phrase used to describe advice or insights that are particularly valuable or insightful. As shown by Ludwig, it's often used to introduce quotations or to highlight the importance of certain guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "words of wisdom" is a commonly used phrase that denotes valuable and insightful advice. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "wise counsel" or "sage advice" can prevent overuse. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase to emphasize the significance of the advice being shared. Overall, "words of wisdom" remains a powerful way to highlight profound guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wise counsel

Emphasizes advice given by a counselor or advisor.

sage advice

Highlights the wisdom as coming from someone experienced and knowledgeable.

insightful guidance

Focuses on the helpful and perceptive nature of the advice.

profound insights

Indicates a deep understanding and perspective.

valuable lessons

Suggests the advice is educational and beneficial.

golden nuggets of advice

Implies that the advice is particularly precious and useful.

pearls of wisdom

Similar to golden nuggets, this phrase adds a poetic touch, highlighting the beauty and value of the advice.

wise sayings

Refers to traditional proverbs or adages.

sound judgment

Highlights the quality of the decision-making behind the advice.

advice worth heeding

Directly emphasizes the importance of following the given advice.

FAQs

How can I use "words of wisdom" in a sentence?

You can use "words of wisdom" to introduce advice or insights, such as, "Her grandmother's "words of wisdom" guided her through many challenges" or "He shared some "words of wisdom" during the graduation speech".

What phrases can I use instead of "words of wisdom"?

Alternatives include "wise counsel", "sage advice", or "insightful guidance", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "words of wisdom" in formal writing?

Yes, "words of wisdom" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when quoting or referencing insightful advice. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more specific term like "profound insights" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "words of wisdom" and "words of advice"?

"Words of advice" generally refers to any form of guidance or recommendation, while "words of wisdom" implies advice that is particularly insightful, profound, and based on experience or knowledge. "Words of wisdom" carries a stronger connotation of depth and significance compared to "words of advice".