a pair of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of fools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two people who are acting foolishly or making unwise decisions. Example: "After seeing their reckless behavior at the party, I couldn't help but think they were just a pair of fools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You and I both — a pair of fools capering for the crowd".

The New Yorker

[photopress:iphoneburglar.jpg,full,left]A pair of fools from Salem, MA, have found themselves in jail after stealing 332 iPhones from the Apple Store they worked for and selling them on the black market.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even romance, the most reliable ingredient of cinema, is laced with nervous impurity: do Cécile and Alain really wind up as the perfect couple, or as a pair of compatible, credulous fools?

The New Yorker

One could hardly hope for a pair of more lovesick macho fools than Dan Clegg's rowdy Lysander and Nicholas Pelczar's desperate Demetrius.

Huffington Post

Valeri fooled a pair of defenders and got off a long shot that sailed past the outstretched arms of Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.

Los Angeles Times

"At the present time, you can fool a facial recognition system with a pair of sunglasses".

The New York Times - Travel

In "Fool's Gold" Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, as golden as a pair of rotisserie chickens, squabble and cavort in a tropical paradise.

The New York Times

The television show featured a pair of apparently plainclothes fuzz -- who were they supposed to be fooling?

The New York Times

The TV show featured a pair of apparently plainclothes fuzz -- who were they supposed to be fooling?

The New York Times

A pair of ivory-billed woodpeckers was most recently reported to be seen on April Fools' Day in 1999.

The New York Times - Science

Some fool in upstate New York followed his GPS' directions a little too closely, right onto a pair of train tracks.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of fools" when you want to emphasize the shared foolishness or unwise behavior of two individuals, particularly in a narrative or descriptive context.

Common error

While "a pair of fools" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "two idiots" or "a couple of dummies" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of fools" functions as a noun phrase that describes two individuals characterized by their foolish behavior or lack of good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of fools" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe two individuals acting foolishly. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is valid and understandable in English. While not overly common, it appears mainly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider its slightly informal tone and potential for cliché. Alternatives like "two simpletons" or "a couple of dummies" can provide variety. It's most effective in narrative or descriptive writing where expressing disapproval or amusement is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two simpletons

Replaces "pair of fools" with a more direct synonym for foolish individuals.

a couple of dummies

Uses a more informal and blunt term for foolish people.

two idiots

Employs a stronger, more derogatory term to describe foolishness.

a couple of twits

Utilizes a British slang term for silly or foolish people.

two buffoons

Suggests a comical and clumsy type of foolishness.

a couple of imbeciles

Replaces with a more clinical term suggesting low intelligence.

two nincompoops

Uses a whimsical and slightly old-fashioned term for foolish people.

a couple of dunderheads

Replaces with a term suggesting a lack of intelligence or understanding.

two knuckleheads

Employs an informal term suggesting a lack of common sense.

a couple of airheads

Suggests a lack of intelligence and awareness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of fools" to describe two people acting foolishly together, such as: "After their disastrous attempt to fix the car, everyone agreed they looked like "a pair of fools"".

What's a less common way to say "a pair of fools"?

Alternatives include phrases like "two simpletons" or "a couple of twits", which offer a more unique take on the same concept.

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

While grammatically correct, "a pair of fools" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider more neutral terms like "two misguided individuals."

What's the difference between "a pair of fools" and "two clowns"?

"A pair of fools" implies unwise or silly behavior, while "two clowns" suggests more intentionally humorous or ridiculous actions. The former carries a stronger connotation of incompetence or lack of judgment.