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Stephenlearner Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

He would be wise to stick to the principles.

Hi,

Does "he would be wise to stick to the principles" mean as follows?
If he sticks to the principles, he is wise.

If so, what does it differ from "he is wise to stick to the principles"?

Thank you very much.
  

Top answer

The tone of the first is a little threatening. "He would be wise to do XYZ" means that he might be punished in some way if he did not do XYZ.. "He is wise to do XYZ" means that he demonstrates his wisdom by doing XYZ.

— Doctor D

  • The tone of the first is a little threatening.
  • "He would be wise to do XYZ" means that he might be punished in some way if he did not do XYZ..
  • "He is wise to do XYZ" means that he demonstrates his wisdom by doing XYZ.
  • Does this help?
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2 Answers
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The tone of the first is a little threatening.

"He would be wise to do XYZ" means that he might be punished in some way if he did not do XYZ..

"He is wise to do XYZ" means that he demonstrates his wisdom by doing XYZ.

Does this help?
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Thank you. Yes, it helps.
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