foolish thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foolish thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or idea that is considered unwise or lacking in good judgment. Example: "I can't believe I did such a foolish thing by trusting him with my secrets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Don't say such a foolish thing, sister".

The New Yorker

"Nationalism is a foolish thing," McGahern says.

The Guardian - Books

To upset a Whovian is a very foolish thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it's a foolish thing," Mr. Dannenberg said.

The New York Times

It's a very young and foolish thing to say.

The Guardian

It seemed like a foolish thing to lie about.

The New York Times

"That was the most foolish thing I ever did in my life," he says.

The New York Times

They were unaware they'd done anything wrong, but it was a foolish thing to do".

Independent

"The most foolish thing I've ever done was to buy shares in the club.

BBC

This may well be true, but as Anatole France observed, "If 50 million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing".

The New York Times

A foolish thing to do, but his work holds up anyway.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foolish thing", consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "unwise decision" or "silly mistake" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "foolish thing" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "imprudent action" or "ill-advised decision" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foolish thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "foolish" modifies the noun "thing". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing actions, decisions or ideas considered unwise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foolish thing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an action, decision, or idea lacking good judgement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use, predominantly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey – is it a lack of wisdom, intelligence, or foresight? This will help you choose the most appropriate term for your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwise decision

Highlights the lack of wisdom in the choice.

ill-advised action

Focuses on the action being poorly considered.

imprudent measure

Emphasizes the lack of caution in the decision.

foolhardy act

Emphasizes the recklessness of the deed.

stupid move

Indicates a lack of intelligence in the action.

silly mistake

Downplays the seriousness of the error.

thoughtless deed

Focuses on the lack of consideration involved.

rash step

Highlights the impulsiveness of the action.

harebrained scheme

Implies the plan is silly and unlikely to succeed.

asinine idea

Highlights the absurdity of the thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "foolish thing" to describe an action, decision, or idea that is unwise or lacks good judgement. For example: "It was a foolish thing to lie about his age".

What can I say instead of "foolish thing"?

You can use alternatives like "unwise decision", "silly mistake", or "ill-advised action" depending on the context.

Is "foolish thing" too informal for academic writing?

In some academic contexts, "foolish thing" might be considered too informal. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "imprudent measure" or "rash step".

What's the difference between "foolish thing" and "stupid thing"?

"Foolish thing" generally implies a lack of good judgement or common sense, while "stupid thing" suggests a lack of intelligence. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.