a fool with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fool with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is foolishly involved with or influenced by something or someone. Example: "He was just a fool with too much money, spending it on extravagant things he didn't need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

There is no fool like a fool with children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like a fool with a bunch of fivers chasing that damned pea, we keep on falling for it.

Independent

After all, they were a group whose most recognisable member was a fool with a big clock around his neck.

The Guardian - Music

I'm so proud of her it's unreal.' Alfie also has roles in Stephen Poliakoff's drama Joe's Palace and film Flashbacks of a Fool with Daniel Craig.

The Guardian

In his statement, titled "Is Nicki Minaj Possessed?," Mr. Donohue wrote that Ms. Minaj, "fresh off looking like a fool with Madonna at the Super Bowl," had contributed to a "vulgar" display that "showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer".

The New York Times

Throughout this media event of an endgame, she demonstrated the openness and seeming guilelessness that once had marked her out as a fool with a big mouth, but which now made her, for some at least, seem like a saint telling uncomfortable truths as she marched, head up, to her televised martyrdom.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Caesar (Mr. Richmond) is a prideful fool with a shaved head, a walking stick, jowls and a nasal voice.

The New York Times

Of course, Neal Cassady was no Proust — he was a loquacious fool with a madness for living.

The New Yorker

At first Viktor seems like a holy fool with a funny accent, but the pouches under his eyes and the weary determination of his posture tell another story.

The New York Times

Do I turn my back on them and walk out and destroy the purpose of the visit, or do I look like a fool, toasting with the Chinese?

The New Yorker

I can only assure you that there is no resistance on my side, unless it be my refusal to be treated like a fool riddled with complexes".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a fool with", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person is being foolish about. Specificity strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a fool with" when you intend to convey general ignorance rather than a specific foolish action or association. The phrase implies a connection between the foolishness and the object/person mentioned after "with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fool with" functions as a noun phrase, where "fool" is the noun and "with" introduces a prepositional phrase that modifies the noun. It's often used to describe someone negatively, highlighting their foolishness in relation to something else, confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fool with" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express criticism or disapproval. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it suggests someone's foolishness is highlighted by their association or involvement with something specific. The phrase sees prevalent use in news and media sources as well as Wiki, lending itself to both neutral and somewhat informal contexts. While alternatives exist, "a fool with" offers a direct and often impactful way to convey a negative assessment. When crafting sentences, ensure clarity and context to wield this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone foolish with

Rephrases to be more explicit about the foolishness of the individual.

a simpleton with

Replaces "fool" with a synonym emphasizing lack of intelligence, but is otherwise similar in construction.

an idiot with

Similar to "simpleton", but carries a stronger negative connotation.

an unwise person with

A more formal and less harsh way to describe a fool.

a dolt with

A more formal synonym for "fool", suggesting someone slow-witted.

a nincompoop with

A humorous synonym for "fool", emphasizing silliness.

a blockhead with

Another synonym for "fool", implying stubbornness in addition to lack of intelligence.

a buffoon with

Emphasizes the clownish or ridiculous nature of the person.

a dunce with

A more archaic term for fool, suggesting someone who is slow to learn.

a naive individual with

Suggests a lack of experience and understanding, leading to foolish actions.

FAQs

How can I use "a fool with" in a sentence?

You can use "a fool with" to describe someone acting foolishly in relation to something specific. For example, "He's just "a fool with" too much money."

What are some alternatives to "a fool with"?

Some alternatives include "a simpleton with", "an idiot with", or "someone foolish with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a fool with a plan can beat a genius with no plan"?

Yes, the saying "a fool with a plan can beat a genius with no plan" is a common idiom that emphasizes the importance of preparation and execution over raw intelligence.

What is the difference between "a fool with" and "a fool for"?

"A fool with" describes someone acting foolishly in conjunction with something, while "a fool for" describes someone who is easily infatuated or overly fond of something. For example, "He's "a fool with" money" vs. "He's "a fool for" her."