such an idiot

USAGE SUMMARY

"such an idiot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in a negative way to describe someone who has done something that is considered foolish or stupid. For example, "I can't believe John forgot to pay the rent again - he's such an idiot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

CL: You're such an idiot.

The New Yorker

I'm such an idiot.

The New Yorker

He talks like such an idiot.

The New Yorker

"He is such an idiot, man.

The New York Times

Why are you such an idiot?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You must think I'm such an idiot".

The New Yorker

"I'm so embarrassed that I've been such an idiot.

Independent

"That makes me sound like such an idiot.

The Guardian - Film

"Past me was such an idiot!" I often think.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm such an idiot," she wrote on Jan . 7 , 1944

The New York Times - Arts

Other literary high points included: "I was such an idiot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such an idiot" to express frustration or disbelief at someone's actions, but always be mindful of the potential impact of your words on others.

Common error

Avoid using "such an idiot" in professional communications, academic papers, or formal presentations. Opt for more respectful and constructive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such an idiot" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun (often implied, like 'I' or 'he/she') to express a negative assessment of someone's intelligence or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such an idiot" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express frustration or disbelief at someone's foolish behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is as a predicate adjective, and while predominantly informal, it finds use in news and media contexts, often within direct quotes. While the phrase is widely used, be aware of your audience and the potential impact before using it! Consider more formal or constructive language in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plainly idiotic

A straightforward synonym, replacing "such" with "plainly".

so foolish

Replaces the noun with an adjective emphasizing lack of wisdom.

downright dumb

A more informal synonym, replacing "such" with "downright".

utterly stupid

Emphasizes the degree of stupidity.

absolutely moronic

Uses a stronger, more offensive term for stupidity.

incredibly dense

Uses a less direct and more figurative way to express lack of understanding.

remarkably unintelligent

A more formal way of expressing lack of intelligence.

completely senseless

Focuses on the lack of sense or reason in someone's actions.

patently absurd

Highlights the absurdity of someone's behavior or ideas.

terribly unwise

Focuses on the lack of wisdom in a decision or action.

FAQs

How can I use "such an idiot" in a sentence?

You can use "such an idiot" to express frustration or disbelief about someone's actions. For example, "I can't believe I locked my keys in the car again; I'm "such an idiot"".

What are some alternatives to saying "such an idiot"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "so foolish", "utterly stupid", or "incredibly dense" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it appropriate to call someone "such an idiot" in a professional setting?

No, it is generally not appropriate to call someone "such an idiot" in a professional setting. It is considered disrespectful and unprofessional. Use more constructive and respectful language instead.

What's the difference between "such an idiot" and "a fool"?

"Such an idiot" is a more informal and immediate expression of frustration or disbelief, while "a fool" is a more general label for someone who consistently makes bad decisions or behaves unwisely.