Meaning & use
behooves
Last updated
“behooves” is a form of “behoove”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbtransitiveformal
Is the sensible or proper thing for someone to do, because it brings advantage or avoids trouble.
Grammar: Usually follows it: it behooves you to check first.
Patterns
- it behooves someone to do something
It behooves every driver to check the tires before a long trip.
It behooves you to read the contract before signing it.
It behooves the school to listen to parents' concerns.
Word forms
| base form | behoove |
|---|---|
| past tense | behooved |
| -ing form | behooving |
Common combinations
- it behooves you to
- It behooves you to arrive early on interview day.
- it behooves us to
- It behooves us to plan for the worst.
- it behooves the company to
- It behooves the company to be honest with customers.
- it behooves anyone who
- It behooves anyone who travels abroad to carry a copy of their passport.
Synonyms and how they differ
- be wise
- Be wise is plainer and more conversational, while behoove sounds formal and slightly old-fashioned.
- be advisable
- Be advisable only recommends an action, whereas behoove suggests it is almost a duty.
- be necessary
- Be necessary is stronger and about requirement, while behoove is about what is sensible or fitting.
Word family
Commonly confused: behooves or behaves?
behooves vs behaves
Behaves means acts in a certain way, as in the dog behaves well. Behooves means it is the right thing to do.
Practice
Which sentence uses behooves correctly?
Choose one answer.
Behooves is used after it with a person and to plus a verb, meaning it is wise or proper. The other options misuse it or lack the subject it.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “behooves”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.