obviously foolish

USAGE SUMMARY

"obviously foolish" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is clearly unwise or lacking in sense. For example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was obviously foolish." Alternative expressions include "clearly unwise" and "evidently silly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Acceptance of the prevailing hegemony is not obviously foolish.

The Guardian - Film

There is something a little uncontrolled about the way in which these obviously foolish women are slaughtered at our feet.

The New Yorker

When the neo-creos go public -- as they did recently in a hearing before the Ohio Board of Education, which they were petitioning for equal time in the classroom with Darwinism -- they do not stake any obviously foolish claims.

The New York Times - Books

So why did Bic do something so obviously foolish?

Forbes

My attitude is that if you are stuck, you should do anything you can to get unstuck as long as it's not illegal, unethical, or obviously foolish.

Science Magazine

"I had an immediate reaction to do something that was obviously foolish or contrary to it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Simon Danczuk has obviously been foolish but he's also been stitched up like a kipper by the Corbyn cronies in UK Labour," Mr Jackson posted on Twitter.

Independent

Jackson wrote that Danczuk had obviously been foolish but that he had also been "stitched up like a kipper by the Corbyn cronies" in the party.

The Guardian

#SimonDanczuk has obviously been foolish but he's also been stitched up like a kipper by the Corbyn cronies in @UKLabour The Sun reports that she turned him down and the pair never met in person.

Independent

This sense of security is, obviously, a foolish and decadent mindset given the size and volatility of any city that is home to 8.5 million people, where you are still far more likely to be the victim of, say, a theft than of terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Running a 50% risk would obviously be foolish, but demanding too much certainty you'll be secure say, 99%–may not make sense, either.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously foolish" when you want to emphasize the clarity and ease with which someone can recognize the foolishness of an action or idea. It suggests that the lack of wisdom is apparent without much thought.

Common error

While "obviously foolish" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or sophisticated vocabulary to convey the same meaning with greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously foolish" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as clearly lacking good sense or judgment. As noted by Ludwig, it conveys a readily apparent lack of wisdom.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obviously foolish" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes something as clearly lacking good sense or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts and should be used with consideration in more formal or academic settings where more nuanced language might be preferred. Alternatives such as "patently absurd" or "clearly unwise" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. As always, choosing the right phrase depends on the specific context and desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently absurd

Emphasizes the lack of reason or sense, suggesting something is ridiculous on its face.

clearly unwise

Directly states the lack of wisdom or prudence in a decision or action.

blatantly idiotic

Implies a high degree of stupidity or lack of intelligence, more forceful than "obviously foolish".

plainly imprudent

Highlights a lack of foresight or care in considering the consequences of an action.

manifestly absurd

Similar to "patently absurd" but may suggest a more formal or intellectual context.

evidently silly

Focuses on the lack of seriousness or the trivial nature of the foolishness.

unquestionably misguided

Suggests a deviation from the correct path or a flaw in the underlying reasoning.

undeniably reckless

Emphasizes the risk-taking aspect of the foolishness, suggesting a disregard for potential harm.

transparently irrational

Highlights the lack of logical thought or reason behind an action.

conspicuously harebrained

Suggests a wild, impractical, and somewhat comical lack of good sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "obviously foolish" to describe actions, decisions, or ideas that are clearly lacking in good judgment. For example, "Investing all your savings in a single, unproven stock is "obviously foolish"."

What are some alternatives to "obviously foolish"?

Some alternatives include "patently absurd", "clearly unwise", or "blatantly idiotic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obviously foolish" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "obviously foolish" might be considered slightly informal for some academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "manifestly absurd" or "plainly imprudent" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "obviously foolish" and "unquestionably misguided"?

"Obviously foolish" emphasizes the clarity of the foolishness, while "unquestionably misguided" focuses on the deviation from a correct or sensible path. The former suggests a lack of judgment, while the latter implies a flaw in direction or reasoning.