fool's errand

USAGE SUMMARY

"fool's errand" is an expression commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is foolish, or a hopeless undertaking or task. Example sentence: "Trying to get that customer to change their mind was a fool's errand, and I shouldn't have wasted my time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a fool's errand.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a fool's errand to buy distressed debt at par".

The New York Times

The private sector realises that's a fool's errand.

The Guardian

It's a fool's errand to make precise predictions about the future.

The New York Times - Science

It's a fool's errand.

The New York Times

History tells us that's a fool's errand.

TechCrunch

It's a fool's errand, as the record is too clear.

Huffington Post

Don't try to win over those apathetic or hostile to you, because it's a fool's errand.

WikiHow

That's because bailing out the banks in each European country individually is a fool's errand.

The New York Times

"It was a fool's errand.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He fretted about what he had come to think of as "the fool's-errand problem".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fool's errand" to succinctly describe an activity that is unlikely to yield any positive results or is a waste of resources. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "fool's errand" when the endeavor requires significant effort but has a small chance of success. It is more appropriate for activities that are inherently pointless or based on flawed assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fool's errand" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a futile or pointless undertaking. Examples show it describing activities ranging from political strategies to personal pursuits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fool's errand" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a pointless or futile undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical status and widespread use. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media sources, serving to express skepticism about the potential success of a particular action. When writing, it's best to reserve "fool's errand" for activities with inherently flawed premises rather than merely difficult challenges. Alternatives such as "futile endeavor" or "wild goose chase" can provide similar meanings, depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

futile endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcome of the undertaking.

pointless exercise

Highlights the lack of purpose or value in the action.

exercise in futility

Similar to "pointless exercise" but places greater emphasis on the guaranteed failure.

vain attempt

Focuses on the lack of success despite effort.

fruitless effort

Underscores the absence of any positive results from the activity.

wild goose chase

Implies a complicated and pointless search.

snipe hunt

Similar to "wild goose chase" referring to a prank or a pointless search.

lost cause

Focuses on the hopelessness and impossibility of success.

pipe dream

Indicates an unrealistic or fanciful hope or scheme.

mission impossible

Highlights the extreme difficulty and unlikelihood of completing the task.

FAQs

How can I use "fool's errand" in a sentence?

You can use "fool's errand" to describe a pointless or futile undertaking. For example, "Trying to convince him to change his mind was a fool's errand".

What's a good substitute for "fool's errand"?

Alternatives include "futile endeavor", "pointless exercise", or "wild goose chase", depending on the specific context.

Is "fool's errand" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "fool's errand" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, opinion pieces, and academic discussions.

What makes something a "fool's errand" rather than just a difficult task?

A "fool's errand" is characterized by its inherent pointlessness or futility, often due to flawed assumptions or a lack of realistic prospects for success. It differs from a difficult task, which may require significant effort but still have a reasonable chance of achieving a valuable outcome.