a forced laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a forced laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that is not genuine, often made to please others or to mask true feelings. Example: "She let out a forced laugh, trying to hide her discomfort in the awkward situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

With a forced laugh, Payne replied, "Well, my conversations with my granddaughters are also private".

The New York Times - Sports

Start with a forced laugh and if you keep it up you will soon find yourself laughing for real.

BBC

"To give a forced laugh" in french is "rire jaune", which literally means "to laugh yourself yellow" Fair enough.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Jong gives a slightly forced laugh.

The Guardian - Books

It felt both stupid and disrespectful to my neighbors, but, as per the instructions of the book, I kept this forced laugh going for a good five minutes like I was watching a close friend at an open mic.

Vice

Just a few directorial misjudgments and uh-oh, sudden death: forced laughs, desperate thesps, and an aud growing surlier by the minute.

Huffington Post

With their forced laughs and their preening and those heavy bangs resting straight on their eyeballs, our current batch of TV ingénues seems designed to conjure the childlike poutiness of America's onetime sweetheart Ally McBeal.

The New York Times - Magazine

You'll be surprised at how quickly forced laughs can turn into legitimate ones.

WikiHow

Start with three short "ha" sounds and do several sets of forced laughs to get started with.

WikiHow

Mr. Seidl has an unsettling way of forcing laughs out of you at inopportune or perhaps just impolite moments — the laughter tends to catch in your throat — which, I think, largely explains why he has turned off as many critics as he's turned on.

The New York Times

She steadily force-laughs her way to a sly eye-roll.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a forced laugh" to subtly reveal a character's inner feelings or discomfort in a situation, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing laughter as "forced", as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "artificial laugh" or "hollow laugh" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a forced laugh" typically functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb (e.g., gave, let out) or as a subject complement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. It describes a specific type of laughter that is not genuine or spontaneous.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a forced laugh" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe laughter that lacks sincerity and is often used to mask true emotions. According to Ludwig, while not exceptionally common, it finds its place across different contexts, primarily within news and media. It's often used to convey discomfort, nervousness, or a general lack of genuine amusement. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, consider exploring alternative expressions like "a strained chuckle" or "an artificial laugh" to avoid repetition. Being mindful of its connotations and context will allow you to utilize it most effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feigned laugh

Indicates the laugh is pretended or insincere.

an artificial laugh

Highlights the fake or manufactured nature of the laughter.

a strained chuckle

Emphasizes the effort and lack of ease in producing the laugh.

a mirthless laugh

Focuses on the absence of genuine joy or amusement.

a hollow laugh

Suggests the laugh lacks genuine emotion or mirth.

an uneasy giggle

Highlights the nervousness or discomfort underlying the laughter.

a put-on laugh

Implies the laugh is deceptive or meant to trick someone.

a wry chuckle

Conveys a sense of irony or resignation behind the laugh.

a polite titter

Suggests the laugh is a mere formality or social gesture.

a suppressed laugh

Implies that the laugh is being held back or controlled.

FAQs

How can I use "a forced laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "a forced laugh" to describe someone who is laughing insincerely, often to hide their true feelings or to be polite. For example, "She gave "a forced laugh" when her boss told a bad joke."

What are some alternatives to "a forced laugh"?

Alternatives include "an artificial laugh", "a strained chuckle", or "a hollow laugh". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a forced laugh" imply?

"A forced laugh" implies that the person laughing is not genuinely amused. It suggests that the laughter is insincere, perhaps used to mask discomfort, awkwardness, or disagreement.

Is it always negative to describe a laugh as "forced"?

While often negative, implying insincerity, describing a laugh as "forced" can also convey nervousness or an attempt to lighten an uncomfortable situation. The context determines its specific connotation.