a collection of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of fools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are perceived as foolish or lacking in judgment. Example: "The meeting turned into a chaotic debate, with everyone talking over each other; it felt like a collection of fools trying to solve a serious issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These tonal shifts and contradictions give the album its depth and make the attempt to hear it as a collection of singles a fool's errand.

Vice

Danielle Evans drew critical praise for her first book, a collection of stories called Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Writing about a collection of the critic Robert Warshow's work, "The Immediate Experience," in 2002, for instance, Marcus writes, " 'I am not fooled,' this man says, [but] critics have to be willing to be fooled".

The New Yorker

A collection of sonnets?

Independent

A collection of songs?

The New Yorker

A collection of hangers on.

The New York Times - Sports

A collection of Tintin comics.

The New York Times - Books

What a collection of players.

BBC

A collection of Rodin bronzes.

Forbes

Buy a collection of jigs.

WikiHow

Start a collection of something.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a collection of fools", ensure the context makes it clear that you're referring to a group of people perceived as lacking intelligence or good judgment. Avoid using it in formal settings where more respectful language is expected.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a collection of fools" when you simply mean a diverse group of people. The phrase carries a negative connotation and should only be used when highlighting foolishness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of fools" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a group characterized by foolishness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a collection of fools" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a group perceived as foolish or lacking in intelligence. While the Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity, it's important to note that due to the absence of direct examples, frequency metrics are unavailable and its use is best reserved for informal contexts where the intent is to express criticism or ridicule. Alternative phrases, such as "a group of idiots" or "an assembly of dunces", offer varying degrees of formality and intensity in conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of idiots

Replaces "fools" with a more derogatory term, indicating a lower level of intelligence or competence.

a bunch of imbeciles

Similar to "a group of idiots", but the term "imbeciles" carries a stronger connotation of mental deficiency.

an assembly of dunces

More formal and literary, using "assembly" instead of "collection" and "dunces" to denote foolishness.

a troop of nincompoops

Uses more whimsical and less offensive terms for fools, making it suitable for lighter contexts.

a cluster of simpletons

Emphasizes naivety and lack of sophistication more than outright foolishness.

a gathering of buffoons

Suggests the individuals are not only foolish but also prone to ridiculous behavior.

a horde of blockheads

Uses a more archaic term ("blockheads") to denote stupidity and stubbornness.

a pack of dolts

Dolts are slow-witted and unintelligent people, so this phrase highlights a lack of mental acuity.

a congress of nitwits

Suggests the individuals are foolish in a fussy, detail-oriented way.

a symposium of boneheads

Informal and humorous, implying that the individuals are acting foolishly in a conspicuous manner.

FAQs

What does "a collection of fools" mean?

The phrase "a collection of fools" refers to a group of people who are perceived as foolish, unintelligent, or lacking in good judgment. It's used to describe a group dynamic where foolishness is a dominant characteristic.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a collection of fools"?

It's appropriate to use "a collection of fools" when you want to express that a group of people is acting foolishly or making poor decisions. However, be mindful of the potentially offensive nature of the phrase, and avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "a collection of fools"?

Alternatives to "a collection of fools" include phrases like "a group of idiots", "a bunch of imbeciles", or "an assembly of dunces". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

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

You can use "a collection of fools" in a sentence like this: "The meeting turned into a chaotic debate, with everyone talking over each other; it felt like a collection of fools trying to solve a serious issue."