a humorous digression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a humorous digression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief departure from the main topic of discussion that is intended to be funny or entertaining. Example: "During the lecture, the professor made a humorous digression about his childhood experiences that had the entire class laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Curtis masterfully creates the quintessential kid voice, fresh and funny, complete with humorous digressions, reflecting the way a child's mind often works.

The Guardian

A humorous man 11.

The New Yorker

What a humorous mixup".

The New Yorker

"We're staying with a humorous theme.

The New York Times

The story ends on a humorous note.

Yale University

A humorous, touching memoir about female bonding.

The New York Times - Books

Fundamentally, Halloween is a humorous reversal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pellegrini is a humorous, warm man.

The Guardian - Sport

This shovel is a humorous portent.

The Guardian - Arts

A Humorous Song.

Johns Hopkins University

A Humorous Ballad.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a humorous digression" to add levity and engage your audience during presentations or written pieces. However, ensure it remains relevant to the overall topic to avoid disrupting the flow.

Common error

Avoid peppering your writing or speech with too many "humorous digressions", as this can dilute your core message and make you appear unfocused. Use them sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a humorous digression" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific type of deviation from a central point that is intended to be amusing. Although Ludwig doesn't provide specific examples, the construction is standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a humorous digression" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a temporary, amusing departure from a central topic. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness, though there's a lack of direct examples shows limited usage. Related phrases include "a funny tangent" and "an amusing aside". When using this phrase, ensure it enhances rather than detracts from your message, and be mindful of the context to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lighthearted digression

This is almost identical, replacing "humorous" with "lighthearted".

a funny tangent

Replaces "digression" with "tangent", emphasizing the departure from the main subject, while "funny" mirrors "humorous".

an amusing aside

"Aside" suggests a brief comment or story, and "amusing" is synonymous with "humorous".

a comical interlude

"Interlude" implies a break or interruption, and "comical" is a direct substitute for "humorous".

a comical deviation

Similar to the original, but uses "comical" instead of "humorous" and "deviation" instead of "digression".

a lighthearted deviation

"Deviation" emphasizes straying from the main path, and "lighthearted" highlights the pleasant, amusing nature.

a whimsical detour

"Detour" suggests a temporary departure, and "whimsical" adds a playful, fanciful element.

a jocular divergence

"Divergence" indicates a branching off, and "jocular" emphasizes the humorous intent.

a playful tangent

"Playful" describes a lighthearted and amusing tone, similar to "humorous", while "tangent" suggests a deviation from the main topic.

a witty interjection

"Witty" highlights the clever and humorous aspect, and "interjection" suggests a brief insertion into the conversation.

FAQs

How can I effectively incorporate "a humorous digression" into my writing?

Introduce "a humorous digression" naturally, linking it to the current topic with a smooth transition. Ensure it's brief and genuinely amusing to maintain audience engagement.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a humorous digression"?

You can use alternatives like "a funny tangent", "an amusing aside", or "a comical interlude" to achieve a similar effect.

When is it inappropriate to use "a humorous digression"?

Avoid using "a humorous digression" in formal or serious contexts where maintaining a solemn tone is crucial, such as in legal documents or somber speeches.

How does "a humorous digression" differ from a regular digression?

"A humorous digression" specifically aims to entertain or amuse, while a regular digression might simply be a departure from the main topic without necessarily being funny.