what a fool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a fool" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express surprise, disbelief, or disdain towards someone's actions or behavior. It can also be used in a sarcastic or humorous manner. For example: - "He actually believed that lie? What a fool!" - "What a fool I was to trust her again." - "Well, what a fool I must have looked like, wandering around lost." - "I can't believe she fell for his charm. What a fool she is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What a fool!

The New Yorker

What a fool I am.

The New Yorker

What a fool, right?

The New York Times - Sports

What a fool I was.

The New York Times - Tech

What a fool I've been!

The Guardian - Music

What a fool, what a fool she was to tell him that.

The New Yorker

What a fool I have been!

The Guardian

Now I say, God, what a fool I've been.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The older you get, the more you realise what a fools' errand much of that is and that the thing to do is to manage the best you can to the advantage of as many people as possible".

Independent

What makes a fool and what makes a fool persist?

Journal of Organization Design

What a lovable fool!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a fool" to express strong disapproval or self-reproach, but consider the audience and context to avoid being overly harsh or offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "what a fool" repeatedly in a short span, as it can sound repetitive and diminish the impact. Instead, vary your language to express similar sentiments with different wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a fool" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression. It's used to convey a strong emotional reaction to a perceived act of foolishness, whether directed at oneself or at others. Ludwig's examples showcase this across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a fool" is a versatile exclamatory phrase used to express disdain, self-reproach, or surprise at perceived foolishness. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While it can be used in various contexts, consider the audience and tone to ensure appropriateness. For alternative expressions, consider options like "how foolish of me" or "I was such an idiot". Therefore, use "what a fool" judiciously to convey your sentiments effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How foolish of me

Emphasizes the speaker's own foolishness in a situation.

I was such an idiot

A more direct and self-critical expression of one's own stupidity.

What an unwise decision

Focuses on the lack of wisdom in a specific choice.

How could I be so naive

Highlights a lack of awareness or understanding.

I should have known better

Expresses regret for not anticipating a negative outcome.

What a blunder

Refers to a significant and embarrassing mistake.

That was a boneheaded move

Implies a particularly stupid or senseless action.

How stupid of me to think...

Highlights the foolishness of a specific thought or belief.

I can't believe I fell for that

Expresses disbelief and self-reproach at being deceived.

That was a dumb thing to do

A straightforward assessment of a foolish action.

FAQs

How can I use "what a fool" in a sentence?

You can use "what a fool" to express disdain, self-reproach, or surprise at someone's foolish actions. For example, "I trusted him completely; what a fool I was!"

What are some alternatives to "what a fool"?

Alternatives include "how foolish of me", "I was such an idiot", or "what an unwise decision", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "what a fool"?

The appropriateness of using "what a fool" depends on the context and your relationship with the person you're referring to. It's generally best to avoid using it in formal or professional settings unless you're being self-deprecating.

What's the difference between "what a fool" and "he's a fool"?

"What a fool" is an exclamation, often expressing a sudden realization or strong feeling. "He's a fool" is a statement of opinion or judgment about someone's character or actions.