false ideal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "false ideal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or standard that is unrealistic or unattainable, often leading to disappointment or disillusionment. Example: "The notion of a perfect society is often seen as a false ideal that ignores the complexities of human nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For nothing – to go on television and make an idiot of himself, for a false ideal.

The Guardian - Film

But they also create enormous guilt in a woman who can't live up to a false ideal.

The New York Times

There are some left-wing Americans who have given up on the claim to be patriotic, either because they think the word has been irreversibly seized by conservatives or even because they think it denotes a false ideal.

The New York Times

The bad news is that this particular bit of malware only targets PC users, further promoting the false ideal that the Mac is safe from viruses.

TechCrunch

In considering these claims it is important to keep in mind that we are assuming that the state is favoring a sound ideal of the good over a misguided or false ideal.

SEP

Thus, Tony's devotion is shown to be to a false ideal; his deposition and replacement in his domain by middle-class heirs represents what the writer Brigid Brophy terms "a bourgeois sack of a fake-Gothic Rome".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

To them, Lenin's interment would mean that they've been worshipping false ideals, set false goals and that their lives have been lived in vain".

The Guardian - Opinion

Muntasir, founder and chief executive of Jimas, said it was time for people who supported Islamic extremism to ask why their sons and daughters were being blown up for false ideals in "unwinnable wars".

The Guardian

We could learn much from Wollstonecraft, especially her intention of using fiction as a way of connecting to the radical and non-conventional, and awakening readers as opposed to lulling them into false ideals.

The Guardian - Books

After nearly eight months living in Rio de Janeiro and three months working for a Brazilian company, I must ask myself how I have adapted to the local environment and whether I have accepted that some of my expectations were rooted in false ideals.

The Economist

Strasbourg has become an architectural theatre of the absurd, dedicated to the propagation of the false ideals of multiculturalism, internationalism, federalism, supranationality and Euro-insanity.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false ideal", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the ideal 'false'. Provide specific reasons or examples to support your claim and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid applying "false ideal" too broadly. Instead of dismissing entire ideologies, focus on specific aspects or interpretations that are unrealistic or misleading. Precision strengthens your argument and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false ideal" functions as a noun phrase, where 'false' modifies the noun 'ideal'. It typically serves to describe a concept or goal that is perceived as unrealistic, misleading, or ultimately unattainable. Ludwig AI provides examples where it's used in diverse contexts to highlight deception and flawed concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "false ideal" is used to describe an ideal that is deceptive, unrealistic, or based on flawed premises. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a critique of a specific belief or aspiration. While found in various contexts, it's most prevalent in news media and scientific discourse. When employing "false ideal", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the ideal 'false' and avoid overgeneralizing its application to maintain precision and prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illusory goal

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the goal, implying it's based on illusion.

unrealistic expectation

Highlights the impracticality of the ideal, emphasizing its disconnect from reality.

misguided aspiration

Emphasizes the flawed judgment behind the pursuit of the ideal.

unattainable standard

Stresses the impossibility of reaching the described ideal.

deceptive notion

Focuses on the misleading aspect of the ideal, indicating it's based on falsehood.

flawed concept

Highlights the inherent imperfections or weaknesses in the ideal itself.

romanticized delusion

Implies the ideal is a product of excessive romanticism and is ultimately detached from reality.

hollow aspiration

Emphasizes the lack of substance or meaning behind the ideal.

erroneous belief

Focuses on the incorrect or mistaken nature of the ideal as a belief.

imaginary construct

Highlights that the ideal is created from imagination and may not exist in reality.

FAQs

How can I use "false ideal" in a sentence?

You can use "false ideal" to describe something that seems desirable but is ultimately based on unrealistic or misleading premises. For example: "The notion of constant happiness is often a "false ideal"."

What are some alternatives to "false ideal"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, alternatives to "false ideal" include "illusory goal", "unrealistic expectation", or "misguided aspiration".

Is it always negative to label something as a "false ideal"?

Yes, using the term "false ideal" typically implies a negative judgment, suggesting that the ideal is either unattainable, deceptive, or based on flawed premises. It suggests a critical perspective on a seemingly positive concept.

What's the difference between "false ideal" and "idealistic"?

"Idealistic" generally means having high or noble principles, which may or may not be realistic. "False ideal" specifically refers to an ideal that is based on flawed or unrealistic premises. Someone can be idealistic without pursuing a "false ideal".