what a foolish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a foolish" is not a complete sentence and is not grammatically correct.
It is missing a noun or verb to make it a complete thought. You can use it in written English as an exclamation or expression of disbelief or disapproval. For example: "What a foolish mistake to make!" or "I can't believe how foolish he was to try that dangerous stunt."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

'What a foolish eeky sound,' they are all thinking.

The Guardian - Books

What a foolish waste of money, particularly in a time of economic stress for everyone.

The New York Times

Or maybe, just maybe, more colleges will recognize what a foolish exercise this whole thing has become.

The New York Times

When the fifties Oliver taunts the closeted Philip — "You'll die... not knowing who you are.... What a foolish, sad way to live" — Philip clouts him, then collapses in his arms.

The New Yorker

After the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, he wrote, "I want to say, as we lay there and the shells were flying over us, my thoughts went back to my home, and I thought what a foolish boy I was to run away and get into such a mess as I was in.

The New York Times

It might help if we responded by saying, 'Well, they made it – but what a foolish thing to do.'" McMahan points to the diminishing popularity of boxing – "one person beating another person senseless – the pure violence of gladiatorial combat, like ancient Rome – with people in middle age developing cognitive deficiencies as a result of repeated concussions" – as a sign of moral progress.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

What a scant, foolish pretence was a family, a culture, a place in history, when it was all so easily defamed.

The Economist

Bravo to the French court for showing compassion for what was a foolish yet loving act.

Independent

The average man these days, we have figured out, can afford to spend less than one dollar in every hundred for whats called a foolish and irresponsible manner.

The New Yorker

Remember what Emerson said: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds".

The New York Times

When I arrived at the club to learn that Mr. Charles was performing an all-request, completely improvised live concert, I dreaded having to endure what sounded like a foolish exercise in pop hubris.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what a foolish" in writing, ensure that you complete the phrase with a noun to form a grammatically correct sentence. For example, "What a foolish mistake!" provides a complete thought.

Common error

Avoid using "what a foolish" as a standalone phrase without a noun or verb to complete the sentence. This can lead to grammatical errors and unclear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a foolish" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression indicating disapproval or criticism. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase needs a noun to form a grammatically correct sentence. Examples include "What a foolish mistake!" or "What a foolish idea!".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a foolish" is an exclamatory phrase used to express disapproval or criticism. Ludwig AI notes that it's grammatically incomplete without a noun. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with a neutral to informal register. While grammatically incorrect on its own, it is commonly used in conversational and written English when followed by a noun. For optimal use, ensure the phrase is completed with a noun to form a coherent and grammatically sound sentence, such as "What a foolish mistake!". The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey strong disapproval in a relatively concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foolish notion

Frames "foolish" as a characteristic of a specific idea. The phrase introduces a noun to complete the sentence.

how unwise

Replaces "foolish" with a synonym, emphasizing a lack of good judgment. This alternative is more concise.

a ludicrous idea

Uses "ludicrous" to emphasize the ridiculous nature of the idea.The phrase introduces a noun to complete the sentence.

such folly

Uses a noun form of "foolish", providing a more emphatic expression of foolishness.

a misguided approach

Focuses on the flawed direction or strategy being taken. It has a noun to complete the sentence.

an imprudent decision

Emphasizes the lack of careful consideration in a choice.The phrase introduces a noun to complete the sentence.

incredibly stupid

Replaces "foolish" with a stronger synonym. The adverb "incredibly" intensifies the degree of stupidity.

a preposterous suggestion

Highlights the outrageous and unacceptable nature of a suggestion. The phrase introduces a noun to complete the sentence.

utterly senseless

Emphasizes the lack of reason or purpose behind an action or idea. "Utterly" intensifies the meaning.

patently absurd

Highlights the obvious and ridiculous nature of something. "Patently" emphasizes that it's clear to everyone.

FAQs

How can I properly use "what a foolish" in a sentence?

To use "what a foolish" correctly, follow it with a noun to create a complete sentence. For example, "What a foolish idea!" or "What a foolish mistake to make!" are grammatically sound.

What are some alternatives to expressing the same sentiment as "what a foolish"?

You can use alternatives such as "how unwise", "such folly", or "incredibly stupid" to convey a similar sense of disapproval or criticism.

Is it grammatically correct to use "what a foolish" by itself?

No, "what a foolish" is not grammatically correct when used alone. It requires a noun to complete the phrase and form a sentence. For example: "What a foolish decision!"

What is the difference between saying "what a foolish idea" and "that was foolish"?

Saying "what a foolish idea" expresses a more immediate and often stronger sense of disapproval or disbelief, whereas "that was foolish" is a more detached observation or judgment. The first is an exclamation; the second, a statement.