would be wise to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be wise to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone should consider a particular action or decision as being prudent or sensible. Example: "In light of the recent developments, it would be wise to reconsider our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They would be wise to stop them.

The Economist

Incumbents would be wise to embrace disclosure.

The New York Times

And Russia would be wise to listen.

The Economist

I would be wise to follow suit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The United States would be wise to continue doing so.

University of California, Berkeley

Other governors would be wise to do the same.

The New York Times

The world would be wise to heed them this time.

The Economist

It's something investors would be wise to keep in mind.

The New York Times

Gov. Andrew Cuomo would be wise to veto it.

The New York Times

And our president would be wise to meet him halfway.

The New York Times

Investors would be wise to reflect on the size question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing advice, follow "would be wise to" with a clear and actionable suggestion to ensure your guidance is easily understood and implemented.

Common error

While "would be wise to" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "should consider" or "might want to think about" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be wise to" functions primarily as an advisory expression. It is used to offer recommendations or suggest prudent courses of action, indicating that a particular behavior or decision is sensible given the circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would be wise to" is a versatile phrase used to offer advice or recommendations, implying prudence and careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and frequently used in professional and neutral contexts, such as news articles and formal communications. While it's a strong and useful phrase, remember to consider your audience and context to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives such as "should consider" or "it's advisable to" may be more appropriate in casual settings. As a common phrase, understanding its nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should consider

Indicates a recommendation, but is slightly less forceful than "would be wise to".

it's sensible to

Focuses on the reasonableness and practicality of the action.

it would be prudent to

Highlights the careful and cautious nature of the suggested action, adding a layer of formality.

it's advisable to

Emphasizes the advisability of an action, shifting the focus to the action itself.

they'd do well to

Uses a more idiomatic and slightly informal construction to convey advice.

ought to think about

Expresses a moral obligation or advisability, differing in tone.

it's recommended to

Suggests a formal endorsement or guideline, differing from personal wisdom.

best course of action is

Presents the suggestion as the optimal strategy, shifting the focus to strategy.

take heed of

Recommends paying attention to a specific warning or advice.

it's a good idea to

Offers a suggestion in a more casual and general manner.

FAQs

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

Use "would be wise to" to offer advice or a recommendation. For example, "Given the market volatility, investors "would be wise to" diversify their portfolios."

What are some alternatives to "would be wise to"?

Alternatives include "should consider", "it's advisable to", or "it would be prudent to", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "would be wise to" a formal or informal expression?

"Would be wise to" leans towards formal, suggesting careful consideration and prudence. In casual conversations, less formal options like "should think about" might be more appropriate.

When is it most appropriate to use "would be wise to"?

It is most appropriate when offering reasoned advice or suggesting a course of action based on careful evaluation of circumstances. It suits contexts where a formal and thoughtful tone is preferred.