do something stupid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do something stupid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to describe an action that is considered foolish or unwise. Example: "I can't believe I decided to do something stupid like jump off that cliff without checking the water first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'll do something stupid".

The New York Times - Sports

"Unless they do something stupid".

The New York Times - Arts

I would probably do something stupid".

The New York Times

I knew Sassan would do something stupid.

The Washington Post

"He's not going to do something stupid".

The New York Times

I would do something stupid for comedic effect.

The New Yorker

"If I want attention, I'll do something stupid.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm going to take a risk and do something stupid.

The Guardian

They may do something stupid, which triggers an anti-trust investigation.

The New Yorker

"But on the other hand, you don't want to step in it and do something stupid.

The New York Times

"I am just worried he is going to do something stupid.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do something stupid" in informal contexts where you want to convey that someone is acting foolishly or without thinking of the consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "do something stupid" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can be perceived as unprofessional. Opt for more formal alternatives like "make an error in judgment" or "act irresponsibly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do something stupid" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action that is considered foolish, unwise, or ill-considered. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do something stupid" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe foolish or unwise actions. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across various informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives such as "make a mistake" or "act irresponsibly" in professional or academic settings. Key authoritative sources that employ this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian. It is used to express concern, warning or judgement. Overall, "do something stupid" effectively conveys the idea of acting without thinking of the consequences, but it's important to consider the audience and context when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a silly mistake

Highlights the trivial and easily avoidable nature of the error.

act foolishly

Focuses on the manner of acting, highlighting the lack of good judgment involved.

make a blunder

Emphasizes a significant mistake or error in judgment.

commit a folly

Suggests a particularly senseless or reckless act.

screw up royally

Emphasizes the magnitude and potential consequences of the mistake.

err in judgment

Points to a mistake specifically in the decision-making process.

misbehave

Indicates a deviation from expected or acceptable behavior.

drop the ball

Implies failure to fulfill a responsibility or meet expectations.

cross the line

Implies acting inappropriately or unacceptably in a particular situation.

lose one's senses

Suggests a temporary lapse in rational thinking or self-control.

FAQs

How can I use "do something stupid" in a sentence?

You can use "do something stupid" in various contexts. For instance, "I was worried he might "do something stupid" and get himself into trouble" or "They might "do something stupid", which triggers an anti-trust investigation".

What are some alternatives to "do something stupid"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "make a mistake", "act foolishly", or "make a blunder".

Is it appropriate to use "do something stupid" in formal writing?

No, "do something stupid" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more professional alternatives like "make an error in judgment" or "act irresponsibly".

What's the difference between ""do something stupid"" and "make a mistake"?

"Do something stupid" often implies a lack of forethought or consideration of consequences, whereas "make a mistake" is a more general term for an error or unintentional act.