would be reckless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be reckless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is considered unwise or dangerous. Example: "To invest all your savings in a single stock would be reckless, given the market's volatility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be reckless.

The New York Times

It would be reckless.

The Guardian

This would be reckless, not irrational.

The New York Times

It would be reckless really.

The Guardian - Sport

Further military action would be reckless.

The Guardian - Opinion

To leave the E.U. would be reckless.

The New York Times

It would be reckless for us to stand still.

The Guardian

To jump out now would be reckless in the extreme.

The Guardian - Opinion

To ignore that advice would be reckless and irresponsible.

The Guardian

It would be reckless to claim that the two are closely linked causally.

Harvard University

It frequently presupposes a divinely ordained order in the moral universe that it would be reckless or impermissible to transgress.

Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would be reckless", consider the audience and context. It's a strong phrase, so ensure the situation genuinely warrants such a description to avoid exaggeration or hyperbole.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "would be reckless", which can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "would be imprudent" or "would be irresponsible" to maintain the strength and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be reckless" functions as a modal expression indicating a conditional assessment of an action's potential consequences. It suggests that the action under consideration carries a high risk of negative outcomes. Ludwig shows numerous examples across various contexts supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would be reckless" is a commonly used expression to describe actions considered unwise or dangerous. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and found across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase effectively communicates caution or disapproval and alternatives such as "would be unwise" or "would be irresponsible" can be used to modulate the tone. When employing "would be reckless", ensure the context justifies its strength to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. Its frequency and consistent usage in reputable sources underscore its validity and usefulness in expressing concerns about potential risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be ill-advised

Emphasizes a lack of wisdom or good judgment.

would be imprudent

Highlights a lack of foresight or caution.

would be unwise

Focuses on the lack of wisdom in the action.

would be irresponsible

Stresses a failure to fulfill a duty or obligation.

would be foolhardy

Suggests a boldness that borders on foolishness.

would be rash

Indicates acting without thinking or considering the consequences.

would be dangerous

Highlights the potential for harm or negative outcomes.

would be hazardous

Emphasizes the presence of risks or perils.

would be injudicious

Focuses on poor judgment and lack of discernment.

would be playing with fire

A metaphorical expression indicating taking a significant risk.

FAQs

How can I use "would be reckless" in a sentence?

The phrase "would be reckless" is used to describe an action or decision that is considered unwise or dangerous. For example, "To ignore that advice "would be reckless" and irresponsible."

What's a less strong alternative to "would be reckless"?

If you want to convey a similar meaning but with less intensity, consider using alternatives like "would be unwise" or "would be ill-advised".

Is "would be reckless" formal or informal?

The phrase "would be reckless" is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news articles to academic papers, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. See how Ludwig AI uses this phrase in its data.

Can "would be reckless" be used to describe a past action?

While "would be reckless" typically refers to hypothetical or future scenarios, you can describe a past reckless action using "was reckless" or "it was reckless to". For instance, "It "was reckless" of him to drive so fast in those conditions."