foolish enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foolish enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has made a decision or taken an action that is considered unwise or lacking in judgment. Example: "He was foolish enough to invest all his savings in a failing business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nobody would be foolish enough to take this job".

The New York Times

So nobody in Detroit is foolish enough to declare victory.

The New York Times

Few employers today are foolish enough to mandate discrimination.

The New York Times

I was young and foolish enough to do just that.

The New York Times - Health

The fact that Congress was foolish enough to create the fiscal cliff doesn't mean it also has to be foolish enough to drive us off it.

The New Yorker

Not that Lendl is foolish enough to blithely speak of change.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am not foolish enough to think I have made a final decision about marriage.

The New Yorker

He will gamble that the Russian people are foolish enough to trade prosperity for nationalistic fervour.

The Economist

It's hard to believe that Michele Bachmann would be foolish enough to sign this pledge".

The New York Times

Under these circumstances, why would the nominee be foolish enough to reply as Ms. Greenhouse suggests?

The New York Times

Who would be foolish enough to build a boat out of cardboard?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foolish enough" to express a surprising level of imprudence or lack of good judgment regarding a decision or action. It often implies a negative consequence.

Common error

While "foolish enough" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "unwise enough" or "imprudent enough" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foolish enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a sufficient degree of foolishness to perform a specific action. It describes a state of being unwise or imprudent, leading to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI validates this as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foolish enough" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's unwise actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Alternatives include "unwise enough" or "silly enough", but the specific context should guide your choice. Use "foolish enough" judiciously to express surprise or disapproval of someone's imprudence, while being mindful of the potential for overuse in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwise enough

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom in the action.

silly enough

Suggests a lack of seriousness or thoughtfulness.

naive enough

Highlights a lack of experience or awareness.

daft enough

Implies a degree of foolishness or silliness.

reckless enough

Focuses on the disregard for potential consequences.

imprudent enough

Highlights the lack of careful consideration.

stupid enough

Directly implies a lack of intelligence.

crazy enough

Emphasizes the irrationality of the action.

absurd enough

Suggests the action is unreasonable or illogical.

unthinking enough

Implies a lack of careful thought before acting.

FAQs

How can I use "foolish enough" in a sentence?

Use "foolish enough" to describe someone making an unwise decision despite potential negative consequences. For example, "He was "foolish enough" to invest all his money in a risky venture".

What are some alternatives to "foolish enough"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "unwise enough", "silly enough", or "naive enough". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "foolish enough" or "so foolish as to"?

"Foolish enough" is more common and generally more concise. "So foolish as to" can sound overly formal or stilted in many modern contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "foolish enough" versus "brave enough"?

"Foolish enough" implies a lack of good judgment, while "brave enough" suggests courage in the face of fear or risk. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the imprudence or the daring nature of the action. One can be "foolish enough" to act bravely, however.