it is foolish to expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is foolish to expect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that it is unreasonable to have expectations that are unlikely to be met. For example: "It is foolish to expect that a single meeting can solve all of our disagreements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It would be foolish, to say the least, if the EU were to require every new member to join the euro (Latvia? Turkey?) as one of its key tests of Europeanness, and it is foolish to expect it of all existing members too.

The Economist

In young states such as his own, he has said, it is foolish to expect political parties to represent anything but tribes.

The Economist

In this case, both sides have reasonable arguments, and it is foolish to expect either to give in with so much at stake.

The New York Times

In short, it is foolish to expect investors to react to the possibility of a debt default in a proportionate and orderly fashion, panicking "just enough" to provoke Congress into action.

The New York Times

Perhaps the remarkable diversity of the human organism — whose various sizes and shapes (double chins, giant thighs and all) are so clearly driven by such a vast array of different appetites and genetic cues — simply means that it is foolish to expect a single diet to serve all comers.

The New York Times - Health

Now perhaps it is foolish to expect one of the candidates to step out on a limb (a pretty sturdy limb it seems) and stand up for the repeal of DADT, but why did none of the candidates jump into this void and, at the very least, thank the soldier for his service?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's foolish to expect something different this time".

The New York Times

Perhaps it was foolish to expect too much from him.

Independent

Maybe it's foolish to expect that there would be.

The New Yorker

It's foolish to expect subtlety from a show like this, but even as spectacle it disappoints.

The New York Times - Arts

Many people argue that it's foolish to expect otherwise, and that no science of success is possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is foolish to expect" to set realistic expectations or to temper overly optimistic predictions, especially when evidence suggests a different outcome.

Common error

While effective, "it is foolish to expect" can sometimes sound too informal or dismissive in formal writing. Opt for more nuanced phrasing, such as "it would be unrealistic to assume" or "one should not anticipate", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is foolish to expect" functions as a statement expressing doubt or disbelief regarding the likelihood of a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is foolish to expect" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express skepticism towards unrealistic or unfounded expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its strength lies in its ability to inject realism into discussions, primarily within news and media contexts. Alternatives like "it is naive to assume" or "it is unrealistic to think" can offer similar meaning with different nuances. When incorporating the phrase, consider the audience and context to avoid unintended informality or harshness, opting for alternatives like "it would be unrealistic to assume" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is naive to assume

Replaces "foolish" with "naive" focusing on lack of experience or knowledge.

it is unrealistic to think

Emphasizes the impracticality of a thought or belief.

it is absurd to presume

Highlights the irrationality of a presumption.

it is unwise to anticipate

Focuses on the lack of wisdom in expecting something.

it is unreasonable to suppose

Highlights the lack of reason in a supposition.

it is imprudent to hope

Highlights the lack of carefulness in a hope.

it is shortsighted to predict

Focuses on the lack of long-term vision in a prediction.

it is deluded to imagine

Suggests a state of delusion in imagining something.

it is optimistic to forecast

Highlights excessive optimism in a forecast.

it is senseless to assume

Emphasizes the lack of sense in an assumption.

FAQs

What does "it is foolish to expect" mean?

The phrase "it is foolish to expect" suggests that having a particular expectation is unreasonable or unrealistic, implying that the expected outcome is unlikely to occur.

How can I use "it is foolish to expect" in a sentence?

You can use "it is foolish to expect" to express skepticism or doubt about a potential outcome. For example, "It is foolish to expect immediate results from such a complex project".

What are some alternatives to "it is foolish to expect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is unrealistic to think", "it is naive to assume", or "it is unwise to anticipate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is foolish to expect"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a strong belief that a particular expectation is unfounded or unrealistic. It's often used in situations where past experiences or current evidence suggests that the expected outcome is unlikely.