foolish to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foolish to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that a particular belief or assumption is unwise or lacking in judgment. Example: "It is foolish to think that hard work alone guarantees success without any luck or opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But they're foolish to think that," Johnson protests.

The Guardian - Music

It is foolish to think such a referendum would settle the matter of Britain's European policy.

The Guardian

It would be foolish to think they have less quality than Germany".

The New York Times - Sports

But authorities would be foolish to think that means they can do nothing.

The Economist

But it would be foolish to think immigrant labor can be wished or persecuted away.

The New York Times

"But," cautioned Hodgson, "it is downright foolish to think we are through.

Independent

Pettine said it would be foolish to think Revis really could be replaced.

The New York Times - Sports

But it would be foolish to think it won't or it can't," Kamel said.

The Washington Post

You'd be foolish to think you'll score tries from 70-80 metres.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be foolish to think that I didn't lose something, too.

The New York Times - Sports

But it would be foolish to think enough is being done.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "foolish to think", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the idea is unwise. Providing a brief explanation strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "foolish to think" when the idea being refuted is already widely recognized as incorrect. This can make your writing sound condescending or redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foolish to think" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, serving to express a critical assessment of a particular belief or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foolish to think" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to challenge the wisdom of a particular belief. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a wide range of reliable sources, confirms its proper usage, primarily within news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, alternatives like "naive to believe" or "unwise to assume" may be preferred in situations requiring a softer approach. It's crucial to provide context when using "foolish to think" to strengthen your argument and avoid sounding condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwise to assume

Replaces "foolish" with "unwise" and "think" with "assume", softening the judgment slightly.

naive to believe

Substitutes "foolish" with "naive", suggesting a lack of experience or awareness rather than outright foolishness.

silly to imagine

Replaces "foolish" with "silly" and "think" with "imagine", making the idea seem somewhat absurd or childish.

absurd to consider

Uses "absurd" instead of "foolish", implying that the idea is illogical or nonsensical.

imprudent to expect

Replaces "foolish" with "imprudent", suggesting a lack of caution or foresight.

ill-advised to presume

Uses "ill-advised" instead of "foolish", indicating that the belief is not recommended or sensible.

short-sighted to conclude

Suggests a lack of long-term vision in forming the belief.

misguided to assume

Replaces "foolish" with "misguided", suggesting that the belief is based on faulty reasoning or incorrect information.

unrealistic to suppose

Implies that the belief is not grounded in reality or practical considerations.

optimistic to a fault to assume

Implies that the belief is positive but may be unrealistic.

FAQs

How can I use "foolish to think" in a sentence?

You can use "foolish to think" to express disagreement with an idea or plan, implying it's unwise. For example, "It would be "foolish to think" that this problem will solve itself".

What are some alternatives to "foolish to think"?

Alternatives include "naive to believe", "unwise to assume", or "silly to imagine". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "foolish to think" too harsh or judgmental?

While "foolish to think" can be direct, it's generally acceptable in many contexts. If you prefer a milder tone, consider alternatives like "ill-advised to presume" or "imprudent to expect".

What's the difference between "foolish to think" and "naive to think"?

"Foolish to think" suggests a lack of good judgment, while "naive to think" implies a lack of experience or awareness. "Foolish" carries a stronger connotation of being unwise or silly.