such a simpleton

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a simpleton" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is perceived as foolish or lacking in intelligence. Example: "He acted like such a simpleton when he believed the scam." Alternative expressions include "such a fool" and "such an idiot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The character of Goat is such a simpleton that when he approaches, someone says, "I hear something stupid".

The New York Times

A derisive and insulting gesture used by the lowest member of our populace: perhaps the large fist, that certainly would not be able to pass through a natural oesphagus, serves to express the idea that the person to whom the gesture is directed is such a simpleton that he would swallow any gross absurdity...

The New York Times

Just get one that means something to you at the time, and be hopeful and thankful that over the years you won't remain such a simpleton that you will not change or evolve one iota and still love and adore all the things you did when you were an impetuous, clueless youth.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So is the ability to explain, as though to a simpleton, exactly why such-and-such a movie was a box-office bomb or why some superstar's latest movie failed to open at the levels anticipated.

The New York Times

There Albert describes herself as a "perhapser," but the problem with such indecision, as voiced by Close, is that it makes Albert sound like a simpleton, regardless of the agonies that may be imposed upon society by the need for sexual choice.

The New Yorker

He called me a simpleton.

The New York Times - Books

Already a simpleton, it became a dullard.

The New York Times

Deep down, Ieng Sary thought him a simpleton.

The Economist

He is what he is: a simpleton.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Bayrou is not a simpleton.

The Economist

Lato is a simpleton, he knows only two tongues.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While acceptable, "simpleton" can sound dated or overly critical. Modern equivalents like "naive" or "clueless" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "simpleton" in formal reports or academic papers. While grammatically correct, it carries a tone that is generally unsuitable for professional communication. Opt for more neutral terms like "uninformed" or "misguided".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a simpleton" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize someone as lacking intelligence or being easily deceived. As seen in Ludwig, it's often employed in narrative contexts to express a negative assessment of someone's intellectual capacity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a simpleton" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize someone as unintelligent or easily fooled. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct, although relatively rare in modern usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a slightly informal tone. When writing, consider your audience and aim, as there might be better alternatives to the phrase, depending on whether you are writing a more formal or professional type of document.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete simpleton

Uses a similar term but with slightly different emphasis.

such a fool

Uses a more common and direct synonym.

plain stupid

A more blunt and informal way to convey a lack of intelligence.

that gullible

Highlights the ease with which someone is tricked.

so naive

Focuses on a lack of experience or awareness.

so easily deceived

Emphasizes the action of being misled.

utterly clueless

Stresses a complete lack of awareness or understanding.

that credulous

Uses a more formal synonym for gullible.

quite foolish

A milder way of expressing a lack of good judgment.

remarkably unintelligent

Highlights a general lack of intellect.

FAQs

How can I use "such a simpleton" in a sentence?

You can use "such a simpleton" to describe someone you perceive as foolish or easily tricked. For example, "He acted like "such a simpleton" when he fell for the obvious scam".

What are some alternatives to "such a simpleton"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "so naive", "that gullible", or "such a fool".

Is it appropriate to use "such a simpleton" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "such a simpleton" can sound informal or even condescending. It's generally better to use more neutral terms like "uninformed" or "misguided" in formal contexts.

What is the difference between "simpleton" and "fool"?

"Simpleton" implies a lack of intelligence or understanding, while "fool" can also suggest a lack of good judgment or common sense. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.