A spark of amusement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A spark of amusement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief moment of enjoyment or humor that someone experiences in a situation. Example: "As she recounted the funny incident, I could see a spark of amusement in his eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A spark of vitality went out.

The Guardian - Arts

Most come from a spark of indignation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unlike its predecessor, which took for granted (and took as a source of amusement) the sexist presumptions of frat boys, the new film is sparked by the rejection of that sexism by three young women in college Shelby (Chloë Grace Moretz, Beth Kiersey Clemonsns), and Nora (Beanie Feldstein)—who shun the leering premise of frat parties and the accommodating ways of extant sororities.

The New Yorker

Walsh greeted reporters with a mix of amusement and irritation.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's always a source of amusement," O'Connor said.

The New York Times - Sports

Did I see a glimmer of amusement in her eyes?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gill with a mixture of amusement and revulsion.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Obviously, I'd rather die," Tannenbaum said, as a look of amusement crossed his face.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are practically highwaymen and hold up everybody that goes to a place of amusement".

The New Yorker

The artist in the West — unlike the artist in China — is considered a figure of amusement".

The New Yorker

Several years later, Donald Lutz recalls the scene with a mix of amusement and embarrassment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a spark of amusement" to describe a fleeting, often subtle, moment of humor or enjoyment. It's effective in portraying a character's internal reaction to something mildly funny or ironic.

Common error

Avoid using "a spark of amusement" in contexts that require gravitas or seriousness. This phrase is best suited for moments of lightness or irony, not somber or tragic events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spark of amusement" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a brief, subtle feeling of amusement. Though Ludwig provides no direct examples, the phrase can be inferred to indicate a fleeting moment of lightheartedness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a spark of amusement" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fleeting moment of joy or humor. According to Ludwig, while the phrase is acceptable, there are no exact examples of it being used. Therefore, it is recommended to use the phrase judiciously, considering its subtlety and appropriateness for the context. Related phrases like "a flicker of mirth" or "a hint of levity" may offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Despite being deemed valid, this phrase should be used consciously to ensure it enhances the writing without sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A flicker of mirth

Emphasizes a brief, suppressed amusement.

A hint of levity

Suggests a subtle introduction of lightheartedness.

A touch of humor

Implies a gentle and understated amusement.

A glint of merriment

Indicates a lively and cheerful amusement.

A shade of playfulness

Suggests a lighthearted and teasing amusement.

A tinge of glee

Implies a slight, often private, feeling of joy.

A whiff of comedy

Indicates a brief and subtle experience of humor.

An iota of fun

Suggests a very small amount of enjoyment.

A grain of lightheartedness

Implies a small measure of a cheerful attitude.

A dash of jollity

Indicates a small addition of cheerfulness or festivity.

FAQs

How can I use "A spark of amusement" in a sentence?

You can use "A spark of amusement" to describe a brief moment of enjoyment or humor someone experiences. For example: "As she told the joke, I saw a spark of amusement in his eyes."

What can I say instead of "A spark of amusement"?

You can use alternatives like "a flicker of mirth", "a hint of levity", or "a touch of humor" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "A spark of amusement" formal or informal?

"A spark of amusement" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for descriptive writing rather than direct conversation. The level of formality depends on the surrounding text and the overall tone.

How does "A spark of amusement" differ from "A sense of amusement"?

"A spark of amusement" suggests a brief, momentary feeling, while "a sense of amusement" implies a more sustained or inherent appreciation for humor. The former is fleeting; the latter, a characteristic.