a funny aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a funny aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a humorous comment or remark that is made in addition to the main point of a conversation or text. Example: "During the lecture, the professor made a funny aside about his own college days that had the whole class laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As a funny aside, a year ago Petersen was busted by his own product as he avoided one conference to attend another.

TechCrunch

There was even a funny aside about bipartisanship, with him saying "If any good came of this, maybe it was that for one day the left and the right finally came together to agree on something: that I'm a dick".

Vice

Foord was mixing up a portion of dried coral powder and orange juice, at once a calcium supplement and a funny aside that's only partly a joke that he's trying to become one with the coral.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Discussing both films, Edward Norton speaks with the intelligent consideration that's a hallmark of his career, occasionally cut by a quick, funny aside.

Los Angeles Times

Ms. Blood has a few funny asides as the more lustful and cranky of the two angels.

The New York Times

Miller said three women in the audience told her they thought C.K. was "funny aside from everything else," and "deserves a chance to come back".

Huffington Post

"Union Squared" is a lot funnier, aside from its pileup of ethical lapses like adultery (with a massage therapist), gambling away an inheritance and colossal tax fraud.

The New York Times

While Olbermann is clearly a handful to sit next to at work, he's a fine companion at a baseball game, sharing a storehouse of trivia, funny asides and back stories on the contest that unfolded that Saturday night in May.

The New York Times - Magazine

Oh, and a curious aside.

The New York Times

He is also known for his wickedly funny asides, like "The best research for playing a drunk is being a British actor for 20 years" and "I'm a sort of boy next door.

Huffington Post

There was no other person I would have gone to as such a source of unvarnished truth - and of such funny asides.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a funny aside" sparingly to avoid distracting from the main point of your writing or conversation. It should serve as a brief, relevant, and genuinely humorous addition.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "a funny aside", as it can detract from the core message and make your writing seem unfocused or unprofessional. Ensure each instance is genuinely funny and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a funny aside" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It introduces a humorous digression or a short, amusing remark made in passing, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a funny aside" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief, humorous digression or remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, but its usage is relatively rare. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral to informal register. When using "a funny aside", be mindful of the context and avoid overuse to maintain focus and professionalism. Consider alternatives like "a humorous remark" or "a witty comment" depending on the desired tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humorous digression

Replaces 'aside' with 'digression', emphasizing the departure from the main topic but retaining the humor.

a comical remark

Substitutes both 'funny' and 'aside' with synonyms, focusing on the humorous nature of the statement.

a witty interjection

Emphasizes the clever and sharp nature of the humorous remark, highlighting its interruptive quality.

a lighthearted comment

Focuses on the jovial and amusing nature of the added remark.

a playful quip

Highlights the jesting and teasing nature of the aside.

an amusing observation

Focuses on the entertaining and insightful nature of the remark.

a jocular remark

Emphasizes the playful and humorous quality of the statement.

a diverting anecdote

Presents the aside as a short, entertaining story.

a whimsical observation

Highlights the quirky and imaginative nature of the remark.

a facetious comment

Emphasizes the playfully ironic or sarcastic nature of the remark.

FAQs

How can I use "a funny aside" in a sentence?

You can use "a funny aside" to introduce a humorous comment that is related to the main topic but not essential to it. For example, "The presentation was informative, with "a funny aside" about the speaker's first job."

What's the difference between "a funny aside" and "a joke"?

"A joke" is a self-contained humorous story or statement, while ""a funny aside"" is a brief, often spontaneous, humorous remark that complements the main subject.

What can I say instead of "a funny aside"?

You can use alternatives like "a humorous remark", "a witty comment", or "a comical observation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a funny aside" appropriate for formal writing?

While ""a funny aside"" can be used in some formal contexts, it's generally more suitable for informal or semi-formal situations. In highly formal writing, consider using a more neutral term like "an interesting observation" or omitting the humor altogether.