kind of fool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of fool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who exhibits foolish behavior or characteristics in a somewhat informal or colloquial manner. Example: "He acted like a kind of fool when he forgot his own birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Some kind of fool who was born yesterday?

The Guardian - Sport

"What kind of fool are you that you didn't see this coming?" some said.

The New York Times

What kind of fool wanted it only one way?" he asks himself.

The Guardian - Books

He didn't want to be only another kind of fool, a sort of Peeping Tom of charity".

The New Yorker

What they thought was it was one of those high school y'know comedies, high school kind of fool around comedy.

The Guardian - Film

Steve Carell's bumptious Michael Scott is a different kind of fool to the peerlessly shifty David Brent.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"He's a real good factor in stopping the kind of fooling around that happens this time of year".

The New York Times - Sports

Of his breakaway shot that could have won the game, Gomez said: "He kind of fooled me.

The New York Times - Sports

Though her Brooklyn apartment was charming and homey, "I was kind of fooling myself about how great the neighborhood was," she said.

The New York Times

Contempt (aka Le Mépris) from 1963 is, I think, Godard's best film: a merciless dissection of the kind of fools who attempt to "commercialise" Homer's Odyssey.

The Guardian - Film

"You have to wonder how much this kind of fooling around has become generalized," said Joel Seligman, dean of the Washington University School of Law in St . Louisand co-author of an 11-volume work on securities law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "kind of fool", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context. It's best used informally or when expressing mild exasperation.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of fool" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal and precise alternatives like "naive", "unwise", or "imprudent" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor. The phrase "kind of fool" acts as a qualifier, describing someone perceived as lacking intelligence or good judgment. It is often used rhetorically to express disbelief or mild contempt. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of fool" is a common way to express mild contempt or disbelief towards someone's actions or decisions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor, and is predominantly used in informal contexts like news and media. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "naive" or "imprudent" in professional or academic settings. Related phrases include "sort of idiot" and "type of moron", offering similar but nuanced expressions of foolishness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of idiot

Changes "fool" to "idiot", implying a slightly stronger level of foolishness.

type of moron

Substitutes "fool" with "moron", suggesting a more severe lack of intelligence.

form of dunce

Uses "dunce" to describe someone slow at learning or understanding.

brand of imbecile

Uses "imbecile" instead of "fool", denoting a higher degree of stupidity.

genus of numbskull

Uses "numbskull" instead of "fool", connoting a lack of intelligence or good judgment.

manner of dolt

Replaces "fool" with "dolt", implying a slow or stupid person.

strain of blockhead

Replaces with "blockhead", indicating a stupid person.

species of simpleton

Replaces with "simpleton", indicating naivety or lack of sophistication; more formal.

class of twit

Substitutes "fool" with "twit", suggesting someone silly and ineffectual.

variety of nincompoop

Replaces "fool" with "nincompoop", offering a more whimsical alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of fool" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of fool" to express disbelief or mild contempt, like in the sentence, "What "kind of fool" would agree to those terms?"

What are some alternatives to saying "kind of fool"?

Instead of "kind of fool", consider alternatives like "sort of idiot", "type of moron", or simply "foolish person" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "kind of fool" in formal writing?

The phrase "kind of fool" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, more appropriate alternatives include "naive", "unwise", or "imprudent".

What's the difference between "kind of fool" and "complete idiot"?

"Kind of fool" suggests a milder form of foolishness or naivety, while "complete idiot" implies a more severe lack of intelligence or understanding.