are not fooled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not fooled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone is aware of the truth and not deceived by a situation or statement. Example: "Despite the elaborate scheme, the experienced detectives are not fooled by the suspect's alibi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We are not fooled.

The New Yorker

Mutual-fund investors are not fooled.

The Economist

But the shop's owners are not fooled.

Independent

But people are not fooled any more".

The Guardian

Still, in the end, people are not fooled.

The New Yorker

Most people are not fooled by all of this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We are not fooling ourselves.

The Guardian - Sport

These people are not fooling around.

The Guardian - Film

You are not fooling yourself.

Huffington Post

"You are not fooling anyone.

Vice

Seniors aren't fooled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not fooled" when you want to emphasize that someone understands the true situation and is not being deceived, especially in contexts where deception is attempted or implied. It adds a tone of confidence and awareness.

Common error

While "are not fooled" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler phrases like "don't fall for it" might sound more natural. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not fooled" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of deception. Ludwig's examples show it used to indicate that individuals or groups understand the true nature of a situation and are not misled by appearances or false claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not fooled" is a versatile expression used to convey a lack of deception, emphasizing that individuals or groups understand the true nature of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media where clarity and awareness are crucial. While it's a common phrase, it is important to consider the tone and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in very informal settings. Common synonyms include ""are not deceived"" and ""are not tricked"". The phrase functions declaratively, asserting awareness and resisting manipulation, and maintains a neutral register suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not deceived

Emphasizes the act of deceiving and the lack of success in doing so.

are not misled

Indicates that someone has not been guided in the wrong direction.

are not tricked

Highlights the use of trickery and the failure to mislead someone.

are not duped

Focuses on being misled or cheated, often implying a lack of awareness.

aren't falling for it

Indicates an active rejection of a deceptive tactic.

are not taken in

Suggests a more active deception where someone is lured into believing something false.

see through

Implies an understanding of the true nature of something, despite attempts to conceal it.

are wise to

Highlights an understanding or awareness of something, especially something hidden or deceitful.

are aware of

Focuses on having knowledge or perception of something, rather than specifically avoiding deception.

remain skeptical

Suggests a cautious approach and a reluctance to believe something without sufficient evidence.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "is not fooled"?

Saying someone "is not fooled" means they understand the truth of a situation and are not deceived by attempts to mislead or trick them.

What can I say instead of "are not fooled"?

You can use alternatives like "are not deceived", "are not tricked", or "aren't falling for it" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are not fooled"?

Yes, "are not fooled" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction using the verb "to fool".

What's the difference between "are not fooled" and "are not mistaken"?

"Are not fooled" implies an attempt at deception that fails, while "are not mistaken" simply means someone is correct in their understanding or assessment; there's no implication of deceit.