plainly foolish

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To expect the running-scared super-rich to behave benevolently, in regards to art, is plainly foolish.

The New Yorker

Chappell – regardless of whether he is "mythomaniac" and a "Premier League liar," as BHS's former financial consultant put it – was plainly foolish to buy the business from Sir Philip Green for £1 in the first place.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This claim is simply foolish.

BMC Medical Ethics

But a start can be made by looking at industry, business and the banks.Japan's banks are not notably inefficient by international standards, but they have plainly engaged in some foolish lending.

The Economist

"She was plainly intelligent, and there's nothing foolish about her," he said.

The New York Times

Ruling party politicians close to Bashir are plainly eager to exploit what looks like foolish over-reaching by Kiir, who they believe has put himself in the wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Plainly, if God could make the world any way He fancied, it would be foolish to rely on the armchair ratiocinations of ancient Greeks to find out what that was.

The Economist

Foolish, foolish idea.

The New York Times

Plainly dressed.

Independent

Speak plainly.

The New Yorker

Foolish is as foolish does.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly foolish" to describe actions or decisions that are not only foolish but also obviously so, leaving little room for doubt or alternative interpretations. It adds emphasis to the foolishness.

Common error

Avoid using multiple intensifiers with "plainly foolish". While it might seem like adding more emphasis, it can make your writing sound redundant or hyperbolic. For example, avoid phrases like "very plainly foolish" or "utterly plainly foolish".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly foolish" functions as an adjective phrase, where 'plainly' modifies the adjective 'foolish'. It intensifies the description, indicating that something is not just foolish but obviously so. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plainly foolish" is a grammatically sound and infrequently used expression that communicates obvious foolishness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and effective in conveying disapproval or criticism. While suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "obviously unwise" or "patently absurd" to subtly shift the tone or emphasis. When using "plainly foolish", avoid redundant intensifiers to maintain a clear and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously unwise

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom in a clear and evident manner.

patently absurd

Highlights the ridiculous and nonsensical nature of something.

blatantly stupid

Stresses the obvious and inexcusable lack of intelligence.

clearly imprudent

Focuses on the lack of caution and good judgement.

manifestly ill-advised

Indicates that something is evidently a poor decision.

undeniably senseless

Highlights the lack of logic or reason in something.

unmistakably asinine

Emphasizes the foolishness with a stronger, more critical tone.

evidently misguided

Focuses on the poor direction or leadership behind the action.

transparently ridiculous

Highlights the obvious and easily seen nature of the absurdity.

unquestionably unwise

Underscores that the lack of wisdom is beyond any doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "plainly foolish" to describe actions or decisions that are obviously unwise or nonsensical. For example, "Investing all your savings in a declining company is "plainly foolish"".

What are some alternatives to saying "plainly foolish"?

Alternatives include "obviously unwise", "patently absurd", or "clearly imprudent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "plainly foolish" a formal or informal expression?

"Plainly foolish" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer alternatives such as "manifestly ill-advised" or "clearly imprudent".

What is the difference between "plainly foolish" and "simply foolish"?

"Plainly foolish" suggests that the foolishness is obvious and easily seen, while "simply foolish" suggests that it is just foolish without necessarily being so evident. The adverb "plainly" adds a layer of clarity and obviousness.