foolish mortal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foolish mortal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a whimsical or dramatic context, often in fantasy or mythological settings, to refer to a human being in a condescending or playful manner. Example: "Oh, foolish mortal, you dare to challenge the gods?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Stubbornness and stupidity are twins," he wrote in his great play "Antigone" around 440 B.C., and a day hasn't gone by since without some foolish mortal demonstrating his point.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As for the songs -- well, do not be so foolish, mortals, as to think they are mere show tunes.

The New York Times

"The Dinner Party" concludes on a tender, truly stirring note of pathos, bewilderment and affection for the foolish mortals who create such havoc for themselves.

The New York Times

What fell from the sky was not water but mud, the rain pulling suspended sand into wet globs and pelting those foolish mortals who thought they could endure a 30- or 40-hour sandstorm.

The New York Times

Shakespeare's tale of a sprite-infested forest and the foolish mortals who invade it takes a darker, more disturbing turn than usual in the Royal Shakespeare Company's new staging of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," directed by Richard Jones.

The New York Times

Their penchant for irony ruined all candor And Irony's tone turned from helpful to anger: "Foolish mortals — heed me no longer, For three coming threats will be certainly stronger!" Nostalgia "Relive!" he roared.

The New Yorker

Some foolish mortals at Mad Lab Industries have, for their own twisted reasons, connected a Phantom AX Hexapod robot to a six-rotor helicopter kit, thereby creating a flying/crawling insect hybrid that can walk through tight spaces and then take off.

TechCrunch

Foolish mortals are greeted at the front gate by a welcome plaque identical to the Disneyland attraction.

Los Angeles Times

How does writer-director Adam Green's sequel about a shockingly corporeal, hatchet-wielding ghost and the various, foolish mortals who are his victims stack up to his 2006 sleeper?

Huffington Post

After some initial resistance, the townspeople manage to talk themselves into making this bad trade, and then, we mortals being the weak, foolish creatures we are, they compound their error by trying to break their unholy contract.

The New York Times - Books

He is shown meeting with Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond in Rivendell and speaking with them about the mysterious Necromancer encountered by Radagast the Brown, where he tells Gandalf that the Necromancer is just a mortal man and that Radagast is a foolish fellow because of his consumption of mushrooms.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foolish mortal" when you want to create a slightly mocking or condescending tone, often in a fantasy or mythological context. For example, a god might use this phrase to address a human character.

Common error

Avoid using "foolish mortal" in formal or serious contexts where a more respectful or neutral tone is required. It can come across as inappropriate or offensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foolish mortal" functions as a descriptive epithet. It combines an adjective ("foolish") with a noun ("mortal") to characterize a human being, often with a sense of superiority or condescension from the speaker. As Ludwig explains, the phrase is usable in a whimsical or dramatic context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foolish mortal" is a phrase used to describe humans, often with a condescending or mocking tone. It typically appears in fictional narratives, mythological settings, or dramatic performances, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it is not suitable for formal contexts. Common alternatives include "silly human", "naive being", and "ignorant soul", each offering a slightly different nuance. When employing the phrase "foolish mortal", be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the intended effect is achieved. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in a whimsical or dramatic context, reflecting its primary use in creative and theatrical settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silly human

Replaces 'foolish' with 'silly', offering a lighter, more playful tone.

naive being

Substitutes 'foolish' with 'naive' and 'mortal' with 'being', emphasizing innocence and lack of experience.

ignorant soul

Replaces 'foolish' with 'ignorant' and 'mortal' with 'soul', highlighting a lack of knowledge or awareness.

unwise individual

Substitutes 'foolish' with 'unwise' and 'mortal' with 'individual', suggesting a lack of good judgment.

simple creature

Replaces 'foolish' with 'simple' and 'mortal' with 'creature', implying a lack of complexity or sophistication.

short-sighted person

Replaces "foolish mortal" with a phrase that describes a lack of foresight or planning.

gullible sort

Substitutes with a term emphasizing ease of deception.

misguided one

Replaces "foolish mortal" with a phrase that implies being led astray or having wrong ideas.

unthinking being

Substitutes "foolish" with a term emphasizing lack of careful thought.

fallible human

Highlights the inherent imperfections and proneness to error.

FAQs

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

You can use "foolish mortal" to address someone or something perceived as naive or easily tricked. For example, "The wizard scoffed, 'Oh, foolish mortal, you think you can defeat me?'"

What does "foolish mortal" imply?

"Foolish mortal" typically implies a condescending view of humanity, highlighting perceived limitations in knowledge or power. It's often used by supernatural or superior beings.

What can I say instead of "foolish mortal"?

You can use alternatives like "silly human", "naive being", or "ignorant soul" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "foolish mortal" offensive?

While not inherently offensive, "foolish mortal" can be perceived as condescending or mocking. Consider your audience and context to avoid unintended offense.