patently foolish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently foolish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is obviously or clearly foolish without any doubt. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in that failing business was patently foolish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It would be patently foolish to assume a team currently equidistant between the playoffs and relegation can be promoted immediately.

The Guardian - Sport

It encompasses 16 restaurants, and the count would be higher if one of the three places he opened in 2004 alone hadn't been such a patently foolish miscreant.

The New York Times - Food

Rebecca Eisenberg, in 1993, warned that law professors who work as lawyers may "tarnish their reputations as scholars, and perhaps even diminish their future effectiveness as advocates, if they publish patently foolish or disingenuous views".

The New Yorker

Even when he began making patently foolish political/policy moves, clearly listening to voices who had been consistently wrong in their areas of expertise (economics for one, warfare for another), it was assumed he was playing a game so deep, so intricate, mounting a strategy so multi-dimensional that the rest of us mortals should simply sit back and sigh in awe.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina patently.

The Guardian - Sport

Foolish, foolish idea.

The New York Times

Patently, that's progress.

The Economist

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

Foolish is as foolish does.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "patently foolish", ensure the context clearly demonstrates an obvious lack of wisdom or sense. The phrase is most effective when the foolishness is easily discernible.

Common error

Avoid using "patently foolish" in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or even pretentious in settings that call for simpler language. Opt for phrases like "obviously silly" or "clearly dumb" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently foolish" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something as being obviously or undeniably foolish. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently foolish" is an adjectival phrase used to describe something as obviously lacking good sense. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable. While suitable for neutral contexts, its relative formality makes it less common in casual settings. Alternatives like "obviously unwise" can be used for less formal communication. The phrase's primary function is to express disapproval by emphasizing the clear foolishness of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently unwise

Replace "foolish" to "unwise", mantaining "patently".

obviously unwise

Replaces "foolish" with a more neutral term, focusing on the lack of wisdom.

transparently ridiculous

Uses a similar structure to convey the same meaning, but with slightly different word choices.

clearly absurd

Substitutes both words with synonyms, emphasizing the nonsensical nature.

manifestly absurd

Synonym for both patently and foolish, but with more emphasis on "absurd"

blatantly stupid

Uses a stronger term than "foolish", indicating a higher degree of unintelligence.

unequivocally senseless

Highlights the lack of reason or purpose behind the action or idea.

plainly idiotic

Employs a more informal term for foolish, suggesting a lighthearted tone.

ostensibly inane

A more formal and less common alternative, suggesting a superficial lack of sense.

undeniably misguided

Focuses on the poor judgment involved, rather than the intelligence.

FAQs

What does "patently foolish" mean?

The phrase "patently foolish" means obviously or clearly foolish. It indicates that something is so lacking in good sense or judgment that it's readily apparent.

What can I say instead of "patently foolish"?

You can use alternatives like "obviously unwise", "clearly absurd", or "blatantly stupid" depending on the context.

Is "patently foolish" formal or informal?

"Patently foolish" leans towards the formal side. While understandable in most contexts, it might sound out of place in very casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives in informal settings.

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

You can use "patently foolish" to describe decisions, ideas, or actions that are obviously unwise. For example: "Investing all your money in a declining company is a "patently foolish" idea."