make a fool of ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a fool of ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone behaves in a way that is embarrassing or foolish, often in a group context. Example: "If we don't prepare for the presentation, we might make a fool of ourselves in front of the clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But I think that what's nice about the comedy of embarrassment -- and the fact that "The Office" is a fake documentary -- is that we all make a fool of ourselves, but it's usually either in front of no one or one person.

The New York Times - Arts

We make a fool of ourselves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It sucks when we fail or make a fool of ourselves--but even worse is being unwilling to step up to the mic and share in each others lives.

Huffington Post

Trying to make a fool of me.

The New Yorker

"So make a fool of yourself".

The New York Times - Arts

She accepts and proceeds to make a fool of herself.

The New Yorker

"They're not going to make a fool of us".

The New York Times

In short, being prepared to make a fool of himself.

The Guardian

"Did I make a fool of myself?" she asked.

The New Yorker

"I didn't want to make a fool of myself".

The New York Times

(distractor) D3_5: … I am afraid to make a fool of myself if I fail'.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a fool of ourselves", consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. It's generally suitable for informal or neutral situations.

Common error

Avoid using "make a fool of ourselves" in highly formal settings like academic papers or business presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives like "undermine our credibility" or "present ourselves unfavorably".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a fool of ourselves" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it describes an action where a group behaves in a way that is embarrassing or ridiculous. It predicates the action of portraying oneself or a group as foolish.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a fool of ourselves" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions leading to collective embarrassment or ridicule. Ludwig confirms it's suitable for neutral to informal contexts, commonly appearing in news and media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "undermine our credibility". While not overly frequent, the phrase is well-understood. The phrase serves as a caution against actions that could lead to embarrassment and it's frequently used in news and media, but can be found in scientific or general content such as wikis. It is most commonly used in spoken english and informal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look foolish

A simpler and more direct way to express the idea of appearing silly.

embarrass ourselves

Focuses specifically on the feeling of embarrassment rather than the act of appearing foolish.

look like fools

Focus on public perception, emphasizing how others might see the group.

make ourselves look ridiculous

Emphasizes the visual aspect of appearing foolish.

show ourselves up

British English alternative of making a fool of yourself.

humiliate ourselves

Highlights a deeper level of shame and loss of dignity.

make complete idiots of ourselves

A more expressive alternative that implies ridiculousness.

make a spectacle of ourselves

Suggests a more public and attention-grabbing display of foolishness.

demean ourselves

Implies a reduction in self-worth or status through foolish actions.

make an ass of ourselves

A more vulgar alternative that suggests foolish and clumsy behavior.

FAQs

What does "make a fool of ourselves" mean?

The phrase "make a fool of ourselves" means to do something that causes us to appear ridiculous, silly, or incompetent in front of others.

How can I use "make a fool of ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe actions that might lead to embarrassment or ridicule, like, "If we don't practice, we'll "make a fool of ourselves" at the talent show."

What are some alternatives to "make a fool of ourselves"?

Some alternatives include "embarrass ourselves", "look foolish", or "make a spectacle of ourselves", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make a fool of ourselves" or "make fools of ourselves"?

"Make a fool of ourselves" is correct when referring to a group acting in a way that makes them appear foolish collectively. "Make fools of ourselves" is grammatically incorrect.