group of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "group of fools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection of people who are perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense. Example: "The decision made by that group of fools led to disastrous consequences for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But it seems to me to be a wonderful group of fools that, like the memorizers in "Fahrenheit 451," carry the written word with them everywhere.

The New Yorker

"We made waffles, had juice and then just prayed we weren't the biggest group of fools in the world and we would get at least one nomination".

The Guardian - Film

They think we're led by a group of fools".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Ku Klux Klan is brushed off as a "small group of inbred fools"; racist, killer cops are labeled "bad apples" and domestic terrorists like Timothy McVeigh are called "crazy".

Huffington Post

We're a group of accident-prone fools who regularly trigger embarrassing situations that would permanently traumatize a normal person.

Huffington Post

YAHWEH SCHMO (SPIKE) -- In this first-ever "divine reality" show, a group of actors seeks to fool the Omnipotent Lord of Creation (currently being "retooled").

The New York Times

During the night of 10 May they approached the bridges: several teams had a few men dressed as Dutch military police pretending to bring in a group of German prisoners, to fool the Dutch detonation teams.

Wikipedia

Introducing himself as "Tugg Romney," Schmidt fools a group of "Kappas for Romney" until he makes a major factual error.

Huffington Post

Therefore, it's no surprise that a group of St . LouisCardinals celebrated April Fools' Day by having some fun with one of their teammates.

Huffington Post

Like the 'old fools' themselves this group of poems gives An air of baffled absence, trying to be there Yet being here.

The Guardian - Books

Predictably, the tech representatives weren't fooled by a group of lawmakers that appears increasingly eager to regulate their ad operations.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "group of fools" to express strong disapproval or criticism of a collective's actions or decisions. Be mindful of your audience and the potential for offense, as the phrase carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "group of fools" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral and objective language to maintain credibility and avoid alienating your audience. Consider phrases like "ineffective team" or "poorly managed organization".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "group of fools" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a collective noun combined with a descriptive adjective. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, typically expressing criticism or disapproval. Ludwig AI identifies its use in various contexts, primarily descriptive or journalistic, always with a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "group of fools" is a noun phrase used to negatively describe a collective perceived as unintelligent or misguided. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but notes its infrequent usage, primarily in news and media. While effective for expressing disapproval, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, avoiding overuse in formal settings where more objective language is preferred. Alternatives like "collection of idiots" or "incompetent team" offer varying degrees of intensity. Remember to wield such phrases with care, considering their potential impact and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collection of idiots

Replaces "group of fools" with stronger, more informal terms for stupidity.

band of imbeciles

Substitutes "group" with "band" and "fools" with the more clinical term "imbeciles", suggesting a more profound lack of intelligence.

cluster of nitwits

Replaces "group" with "cluster" and uses the informal term "nitwits" for foolish individuals, implying a less severe form of foolishness.

troupe of buffoons

Suggests a theatrical or deliberately foolish group, rather than simply unintelligent individuals.

set of simpletons

Replaces "group" with "set" and "fools" with "simpletons", indicating naivety or lack of sophistication.

flock of dunderheads

Uses "flock" to describe a group, and "dunderheads" to imply stubborn and ignorant individuals.

company of nincompoops

Employs a more formal term, "company", and a somewhat archaic word, "nincompoops", to describe foolish persons.

coterie of numskulls

Indicates a small, exclusive group ("coterie") of particularly dull-witted individuals ("numskulls").

horde of blockheads

Describes a large, unorganized group ("horde") of stupid individuals ("blockheads").

cadre of dolts

Presents a trained or organized group ("cadre") comprised of stupid or foolish members ("dolts").

FAQs

How can I use "group of fools" in a sentence?

You can use "group of fools" to describe a collective whose actions or decisions are deemed unintelligent or misguided. For example, "The decision made by that "group of fools" led to the company's downfall."

What are some alternatives to "group of fools"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "collection of idiots", "band of imbeciles", or simply "incompetent team".

Is "group of fools" too harsh for professional communication?

Yes, "group of fools" is generally too harsh and informal for professional communication. Opt for more diplomatic language that focuses on the specific issues rather than directly insulting the group's intelligence or competence.

What's the difference between "group of fools" and "bunch of amateurs"?

"Group of fools" implies a lack of intelligence or sound judgment, while "bunch of amateurs" suggests a lack of experience or skill. They both carry negative connotations, but the focus is different.