We have to be economic vs We have to be economical

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'We have to be economic' is not commonly used in English and might be confusing, as 'economic' is more commonly used as an adjective related to the economy. On the other hand, 'we have to be economical' is the correct phrase to use when referring to being efficient or thrifty.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1280 views

This phrase is correct but not commonly used in English. 'Economic' is more commonly used as an adjective related to the economy.

"We have to be economic"

This phrase could be used in a specific context where 'economic' is meant to convey being related to the economy or financial matters.

Show examples from the web [+]

If we are to use the Agency to disburse funds - Mrs Stenzel thinks the amount should decrease, and she is right - we have to be aware that the economic situation continues to be very, very bleak.
As well as sound macro-economic policies we have developed broad economic guidelines.
First of all, there must be a balance between social and economic is important for economic development that we have sustainable pensions systems.
The basic decisions we have taken on strengthening European economic governance and tackling our macro-economic imbalances are at the heart of this progress.
If we give them the time to adjust to the change in circumstances, they can continue to be economic powerhouses.
We have the finest economic minds working on the bill.
For nearly 50 years we have faced difficulties and challenging breakthroughs of economic reform.
And now we have economics and mathematics.
We have taken fifteen years to achieve Economic and Monetary Union.
We have already dislocated the streamlined coordinated process, involving the employment and economic policy guidelines.
We have to beware of chasing the American economic model.
So far we have not been involved as partners in the macro-economic dialogue.
We have now proved the superiority of the economic system of free initiative.
We have pushed forward the issue of developing economic and trade links with Pakistan.
Nevertheless, we have cultural and economic relations with Taiwan.
We have also talked to the Iranian Government about trade and investment and economic issues.
We have carried out preliminary studies, internal consultations and economic analyses.
We have hardly seen a single example of economic integration in which there have not been asymmetries.
We have to recognise that economics is starting to transform Chinese society.
In that time we have seen a major economic downturn.

Alternatives:

we have to be efficient
we have to be thrifty
we have to be cost-effective
we have to be prudent
we have to be frugal

This phrase is the correct and commonly used form when referring to being efficient or thrifty.

"We have to be economical"

This phrase is used to express the idea of being efficient, avoiding waste, or being thrifty in a given situation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mr President, Commissioner, clearly, energy efficiency is a very important subject, and naturally we have to be very economical with fossil fuels.
By and large, we have voted in favour of an economical budget.
My group and I are, therefore, also in favour of our giving more financial support to information policy, even if we always say that we must be economical.
It was wrong of the Council of Ministers to think that in this case we are dealing with what I always call a spending department, in which you must be economical.
I think that we have shown in recent years that a great deal can be achieved with an extremely economical use of taxpayers' money.
According to reports we have all seen, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is one of the most economical ways of protecting the climate.
On the one hand we have, for a long time now, been concerned with the ecological, economical and recreational significance of such areas.
And this is to help me to remember to be economical.
Yes, but I try to be economical.
This is a very good measure, as the utility model must be economical, especially for SMEs.
Thirdly, of course, the economy, because energy is a fundamental factor in our international competitiveness and we must therefore ensure that we have an economical supply of energy.
Is it a Finnish thing to be economical with words?
An architect must be economical in his use of space, so... well done.
However, sound financial management does not only mean ensuring that action is lawful: it must also be economical, financially efficient and effective.
This cannot be a matter of indifference since the Parliament has repeatedly insisted that legislative acts must be economical, unambiguous and consistent.
Entire halls in constant operation would be economical.
I am astonished at the view contained in the Commission's report that only private services operating under market conditions can be economical and of good quality.
It is necessary to be economical with input goods, not least for reasons of cost and competition.
Many of the immigration problems that we face are not political but economical, especially in the Mediterranean, and therefore we have to provide assistance in order to prevent this problem from growing.
Racial profiling may not be right, but it can be economical.

Alternatives:

we have to be efficient
we have to be thrifty
we have to be cost-effective
we have to be prudent
we have to be frugal

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We have to be economic vs We have to be economical