I started laughing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started laughing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the moment when you began to laugh, often in response to something humorous or surprising. Example: "When I heard the joke, I started laughing uncontrollably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Look, here he is at it again: I Just Scrolled Through My Tweets And "I" Started Laughing.

Independent

I started laughing, too.

The New Yorker

I started laughing immediately.

The New York Times

"I started laughing," he said.

The New York Times

"But then I started laughing.

The New York Times

Then I started laughing.

The New Yorker

"I started laughing," Tranghese asserted.

The New York Times - Sports

I started laughing to beat hell.

The New Yorker

"I started laughing," Ms. Rusten said.

The New York Times

I started laughing because my entire situation was so ludicrous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I start laughing at that," Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started laughing" to clearly indicate the moment when you began to laugh in response to something humorous, surprising, or absurd. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "I burst out laughing" or "Laughter overcame me" to avoid repetition and enrich your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I started laughing" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, use synonyms or rephrase the sentence to provide variety and maintain reader engagement. For instance, try "I chuckled", "I dissolved into laughter", or describe the physical sensation of laughter without explicitly stating "I started laughing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started laughing" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, describing the initiation of laughter, typically in response to a humorous or surprising stimulus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started laughing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the beginning of laughter. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable expression in various contexts. It is primarily found in news and media sources, carrying a neutral register suitable for both informal storytelling and more formal reporting. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "I burst out laughing" or "Laughter overcame me" to add variety and avoid repetition. Be mindful of overusing the phrase within close proximity to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I burst out laughing

Suggests a sudden and unrestrained eruption of laughter.

I began to chuckle

Replaces "started laughing" with a more subdued form of laughter, implying a quiet amusement.

I couldn't help but laugh

Highlights the inability to suppress the laughter.

I found myself laughing

Emphasizes the speaker's surprise at their own laughter.

Laughter overcame me

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the laughter.

I dissolved into laughter

Implies laughter that is prolonged and overwhelming.

A chuckle escaped me

Implies a brief, involuntary laugh.

I was taken by laughter

Suggests a sudden and complete takeover by laughter.

I succumbed to laughter

Suggests a yielding to the impulse to laugh.

Laughter bubbled up inside me

Describes the internal feeling leading to laughter.

FAQs

What's a more descriptive alternative to "I started laughing"?

Consider using phrases like "I burst out laughing" to emphasize suddenness or "I dissolved into laughter" for prolonged laughter.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I started to laugh" instead of "I started laughing"?

Yes, "I started to laugh" is also grammatically correct. Both constructions are acceptable and convey the same meaning, although "I started laughing" might sound more natural in contemporary English.

When is it appropriate to use "I started laughing" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly indicate the specific moment you began to laugh in response to something, adding a personal element to your narrative or description.

What are some less common alternatives to "I started laughing"?

Try phrases like "laughter overcame me" or "a chuckle escaped me" for a more literary or nuanced expression of amusement.