a bunch of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bunch of fools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are acting foolishly or are perceived as lacking intelligence. Example: "After witnessing their reckless behavior, I couldn't help but think they were just a bunch of fools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You made us think the Russians were a bunch of fools".

The New York Times - Sports

"They took us for a bunch of fools but I'll be waiting for them in the return game".

The Guardian - Sport

The small group was viewed with skepticism by the medical establishment, with one physician dubbing them "a bunch of fools" for their efforts.

Harvard University

And, he went on, "it is not driven by a bunch of fools rushing in and, simultaneously, the good investors grabbing the best projects.

The New Yorker

But one thing is certain: if we empower people or outsiders to define or evaluate us, we're just a bunch of fools".

The New York Times - Arts

I'll learn how to weave mats and sell them on the beach at Cozumel.... I'll change my name to Raoul, and no one will know I was ever related to a bunch of fools.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Or are we Iraqis just a bunch of impatient fools who do nothing better than grumble and whine?

The Guardian

Now at a point where they can take a long view of their lives, the sisters conclude that the entire Hillock clan are a bunch of wretched "fools"; indeed Hillock behavior often seems to warrant exactly this assessment.

The New York Times - Books

A columnist close to the party dismisses the RSS as a "bunch of bloody fools who can't appeal to the young, especially given the growth of the middle class".

The Economist

The Louse shook the industry to its very core a few weeks ago when he (it?) accused BioWare of being a bunch of bumbling fools who have no idea what they're doing, burning through cash like they're in a Rick Ross video.

TechCrunch

The taxpayers present themselves to the corporation much as consumers do-a bunch of suckers to be fooled and robbed for the sake of shareholder profit.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bunch of fools" to express strong disapproval or frustration with a group's actions or decisions. Be mindful of the audience and context, as the phrase can be considered offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "a bunch of fools" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral and objective language to maintain credibility and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bunch of fools" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically describes a group of people perceived negatively, often implying incompetence or foolishness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bunch of fools" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express disapproval or frustration towards a group of people deemed foolish or incompetent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, its informal tone makes it less suitable for formal writing. Related phrases offer varying degrees of intensity, allowing for nuanced expression. When using this phrase, be mindful of the audience and context to avoid causing offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of idiots

Replaces "bunch" with "collection" and "fools" with "idiots", offering a more direct synonym.

a group of nitwits

Substitutes "bunch" for "group" and "fools" for "nitwits", creating a slightly more playful tone.

a pack of imbeciles

Replaces "bunch" with "pack" and "fools" with "imbeciles", conveying a stronger sense of contempt.

a crowd of simpletons

Changes "bunch" to "crowd" and "fools" to "simpletons", suggesting a lack of intelligence and sophistication.

a band of buffoons

Replaces "bunch" with "band" and "fools" with "buffoons", highlighting their ridiculous or clownish behavior.

a gaggle of nincompoops

Substitutes "bunch" for "gaggle" and "fools" for "nincompoops", creating a more humorous and lighthearted effect.

a cluster of blockheads

Replaces "bunch" with "cluster" and "fools" with "blockheads", emphasizing their stubbornness and lack of understanding.

a troop of dolts

Substitutes "bunch" for "troop" and "fools" for "dolts", highlighting their clumsiness and lack of skill.

an assembly of twits

Replaces "bunch" with "assembly" and "fools" with "twits", suggesting a lack of social grace and common sense.

a set of boneheads

Changes "bunch" to "set" and "fools" to "boneheads", indicating their stubbornness and limited intellect.

FAQs

How can I use "a bunch of fools" in a sentence?

You can use "a bunch of fools" to describe a group of people you consider foolish or incompetent. For instance, "The critics dismissed the project as the work of "a bunch of fools"".

What is a less offensive alternative to "a bunch of fools"?

If you want to express a similar sentiment without being overly harsh, consider alternatives like "a group of inexperienced individuals" or "a team lacking expertise". Another alternative is "a group of nitwits", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a bunch of fools" in formal writing?

No, "a bunch of fools" is generally considered informal and potentially offensive. It's best to use more neutral language in formal writing, such as "a group of inexperienced individuals".

What's the difference between "a bunch of fools" and "a group of misguided people"?

"A bunch of fools" implies incompetence and foolishness, while "a group of misguided people" suggests they are acting with good intentions but making mistakes. The latter is less critical and more empathetic.