be fooled by that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fooled by that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when warning someone not to be deceived or misled by something or someone. Example: "Don't be fooled by that flashy advertisement; the product is not as good as it seems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Don't be fooled by that magnifying glass.

Harvard Business Review

Do not be fooled by that waistline.

The Guardian - Film

Don't be fooled by that victory in Sofia.

Independent

But don't be fooled by that Mr Nice Guy guff.

Independent

"Let's not be fooled by that old 'it's another Vietnam' canard".

The New York Times

Don't anyone be fooled by that shiny new 09 number plate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I can't believe you idiots were fooled by that!

The Guardian

Holland had beaten Denmark 3-0 the night before, but nobody was fooled by that scoreline.

The Guardian - Sport

Although I am not surprised that the Dell Computer Corporation advertises a free year of America Online membership and a free year of technical support with its new computer systems ("Computers: Workhorses, Show Horses," State of the Art, Nov. 16), I am a bit surprised that your columnist was fooled by that advertising.

The New York Times - Tech

With ICBMs, the main weakness of missile-defense systems is that they can be fooled by decoys that can be released in the near-vacuum of space and travel with the ICBM.

MIT Technology Review

Don't be fooled by diets that claim to use special calorie-burning devices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase in situations where a level of naivety or trust is being exploited. This adds impact to the warning and makes it more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "be fooled by that" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or official reports. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "be deceived by that" or "be misled by that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fooled by that" serves as a warning or caution against being deceived or tricked. It functions as an idiomatic expression to alert someone to potential misdirection. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be fooled by that" is a valid idiomatic phrase used to warn against deception. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives like "be deceived by that" are preferable. Be mindful of overuse, and always ensure the context clearly identifies the misleading element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deceived by that

Formal synonym, suggesting intentional misleading.

be misled by that

Implies being guided in the wrong direction, whether intentionally or not.

fall for that

Informal way of saying someone was tricked or believed something false.

be tricked by that

Suggests a deliberate act of deception.

be taken in by that

Emphasis on being charmed or persuaded into believing something.

swallow that

More colloquial, implying gullibility.

buy that

Informal, suggesting acceptance of a falsehood or dubious claim.

be hoodwinked by that

Emphasizes being deceived in a clever or cunning way.

be duped by that

Highlights the feeling of being foolishly tricked.

be played by that

Modern slang, suggesting manipulation.

FAQs

What does "be fooled by that" mean?

The phrase "be fooled by that" means to be deceived or tricked by something or someone, often despite warnings or indications to the contrary. It's a cautionary statement against being naive or gullible.

How can I use "be fooled by that" in a sentence?

You can use "be fooled by that" to warn someone about a potential deception. For example, "Don't "be fooled by that" advertisement; the product is not as good as it seems."

What can I say instead of "be fooled by that"?

You can use alternatives like "be deceived by that", "be misled by that", or "fall for that" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "be fooled by that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "be fooled by that" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms such as "be deceived by that" or "be misled by that".