intrinsically foolish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intrinsically foolish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is inherently or fundamentally foolish by its very nature. Example: "The idea of trying to change someone's core beliefs is intrinsically foolish and often leads to conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She then opined that the big banks currently "have too much political power and too much money to be sufficiently capable of being managed, of being supervised and regulated, and of being permitted to fail," in a dazzling, rarely-seen-in-Washington demonstration of stringing sentences together that do not contain ideas that are intrinsically foolish.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Foolish, foolish idea.

The New York Times

Still foolish.

Harvard University

Foolish is as foolish does.

The New York Times

Foolish, perhaps.

The New York Times - Sports

Stay foolish".

The New York Times

Foolish; sad.

The New Yorker

Is life intrinsically valuable?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stay Foolish.

The Guardian - Tech

Crowds are intrinsically dangerous.

The New York Times

It's intrinsically important".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intrinsically foolish" when you want to emphasize that the foolishness is an inherent quality of something, not just a temporary or circumstantial state.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "intrinsically foolish" can sometimes sound overly critical in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "misguided" or "unwise" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intrinsically foolish" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as being inherently or fundamentally lacking in good sense or judgment. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intrinsically foolish" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something as inherently lacking in wisdom. According to Ludwig, this phrase is valid and usable. While its frequency is rare, it appears in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. Related phrases include "inherently unwise" and "fundamentally misguided". When writing, it's best to reserve "intrinsically foolish" for situations where you want to emphasize an inherent quality of foolishness, and to be mindful of its potential to sound overly critical in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently unwise

Focuses on the inherent lack of wisdom, similar to "intrinsically foolish".

fundamentally misguided

Emphasizes the foundational flaw in judgment, akin to being intrinsically foolish.

patently absurd

Highlights the obvious and undeniable absurdity, close to intrinsically foolish.

utterly senseless

Stresses the complete lack of sense or reason, much like intrinsically foolish.

hopelessly naive

Underscores a lack of experience or understanding, leading to foolishness.

constitutionally silly

Suggests that foolishness is part of its very nature.

inherently ridiculous

Highlights the laughable nature of something from the start.

profoundly unwise

Indicates a deep and significant lack of wisdom.

decidedly imprudent

Emphasizes a lack of caution or foresight.

basically irrational

Focuses on the lack of logical basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "intrinsically foolish" to describe actions, ideas, or beliefs that are inherently lacking in wisdom or good judgment. For example, "The idea of trying to change someone's core values is intrinsically foolish."

What's a good alternative to "intrinsically foolish"?

Alternatives to "intrinsically foolish" include "inherently unwise", "fundamentally misguided", or "utterly senseless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "intrinsically foolish" and "simply foolish"?

"Intrinsically foolish" implies that the foolishness is an inherent, inseparable part of something, while "simply foolish" suggests a more superficial or situational lack of wisdom.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "intrinsically foolish"?

Use "intrinsically foolish" when you want to emphasize that something's very nature is flawed or unwise, and that this foolishness is not just a matter of circumstance. It is useful in discussions about inherently flawed concepts or strategies.