this is foolish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is foolish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you believe something is unwise or lacking in sense. Example: "After considering the proposal, I must say that this is foolish and not in our best interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This is foolish and reactionary.

The New York Times

Symbolically, this is foolish.

The New York Times

I say this is foolish.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think this is foolish; it's stupid.

The New York Times

This is foolish, irresponsible and self-defeating".

The Guardian - Opinion

And Mulligan's answer is that this is foolish, because monetary policy is never effective.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

This is foolish--attempting to draw inference about one Islamic party's behavior in Egypt, the Middle East's largest country with considerable economic potential, from another party's behavior in Gaza, a territory harrowed by over 60 years of occupation, ignores the influence of the vastly differing contexts within which each group operates, and is therefore, unproductive.

HuffPost

Then she realized this was foolish.

The New Yorker

Now he wonders if this was foolish, not brave.

The New York Times - Books

The party's record since his departure does not suggest that this was foolish of him.

Independent

Many thought this was foolish, as some products would be poorly reviewed, and thus not sell.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is foolish", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Directly state what "this" refers to for maximum impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "this is foolish" without explaining why you believe it to be so. Back up your assertion with evidence or logical arguments to make your point more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is foolish" functions as a declarative statement expressing disapproval or disagreement. Based on Ludwig's analysis, it's a direct way to label something as lacking good sense or judgment. Examples show it used to counter arguments or critique actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is foolish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to directly convey that something lacks good sense or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and also in informal conversations. While not highly formal, its directness makes it a potent tool for expressing disagreement. Remember to provide context and justification when using it to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "this is unwise" or "this is absurd" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is unwise

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or good judgment.

this is ill-advised

Highlights that the action is not recommended due to potential negative consequences.

this is imprudent

Stresses a lack of carefulness or foresight.

this is nonsensical

Focuses on the lack of logical sense or coherence.

this is absurd

Conveys a sense of extreme unreasonableness or ridiculousness.

this is ridiculous

Highlights the laughable or contemptible nature of something.

this is preposterous

Suggests something is utterly absurd or outrageous.

this is senseless

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or reason.

this is daft

Indicates something is silly or foolish in a lighthearted way.

this is short-sighted

Implies a lack of consideration for long-term consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "this is foolish" in a sentence?

You can use "this is foolish" to express disagreement or disapproval of an action or idea. For instance, "Investing all your money in a single speculative stock? This is foolish."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is foolish"?

Alternatives include "this is unwise", "this is absurd", or "this is ill-advised", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is foolish"?

It is appropriate to use "this is foolish" when you want to directly and firmly express your belief that something is lacking in good sense or judgment. Consider using it in situations where you need to be clear and assertive.

Is there a more formal way to express the same sentiment as "this is foolish"?

Yes, phrases like "this is imprudent" or "this is ill-considered" offer a more formal and nuanced way to convey that something lacks wisdom or foresight.