a joke about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a joke about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a humorous statement or story that pertains to a specific subject or topic. Example: "He told a joke about cats that had everyone laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Birbiglia made a joke about it.

The New York Times

Making a joke about sex and origin.

The New Yorker

Crack a joke about Ozone Al.

The Economist

I have a joke about this.

The New York Times - Books

Even a joke about Alzheimer's and cancer is inevitably a joke about Alzheimer's.

The New Yorker

There is even a joke about ABBA.

The New Yorker

It is a joke about sentimentality.

The Guardian - Arts

That's a joke about the Blair tan.

The Guardian

A joke about cutting people's fingers off!

The Guardian

A joke about "flaming queens" tore through the city.

Columbia University

A joke, about such "inappropriate" behaviour?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider your audience and the potential impact of the joke. Jokes about sensitive topics can be risky and may not be appropriate for all situations.

Common error

Avoid making "a joke about" a topic without fully understanding its complexities or sensitivities. A superficial understanding can lead to tone-deaf or offensive humor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a joke about" functions as an introductory element within a sentence or clause, setting the stage for the topic of the joke. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used. It indicates that the following content will be a humorous remark concerning a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a joke about" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a humorous remark concerning a specific subject. As Ludwig confirms, its frequent use in news and media signifies its neutral register and general applicability. When considering the appropriate use of "a joke about", remember to be mindful of your audience and context in order to prevent possible misinterpretations, as a superficial comprehension of a topic may lead to insensitive or offensive humor. Exploring alternatives like "a jest concerning" or "a humorous take on" can add nuance to your expressions. While humor can sometimes be used to address difficult subjects, exercise caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a witty comment on

Emphasizes the cleverness of the humor by using "witty comment" instead of "joke".

a jest concerning

Replaces "joke" with the more formal "jest" and "about" with "concerning", indicating a more sophisticated tone.

a lighthearted jest about

Combines "jest" for formality with "lighthearted" for tone.

a comical remark concerning

Uses "comical remark" instead of "joke", implying a brief and amusing statement.

a humorous take on

Substitutes "joke" with "humorous take", suggesting a particular perspective or interpretation presented in a funny way.

a playful jab at

Indicates a light-hearted and teasing form of humor by using "playful jab".

a ribbing about

Replaces "joke" with "ribbing", emphasizing gentle teasing.

a funny story regarding

Replaces "joke" with "funny story", offering a more narrative-focused and descriptive alternative.

a humorous observation about

Focuses on the act of noticing and commenting on something funny by using "humorous observation".

a bit of humor related to

Uses a more general phrase to refer to something humorous connected to a specific topic.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a joke about" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "a jest concerning", "a humorous observation regarding", or "a comical remark pertaining to" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to tell "a joke about" a sensitive topic?

While humor can sometimes be used to address difficult subjects, it's crucial to consider your audience and the potential impact. Jokes about sensitive topics can easily be misinterpreted or cause offense, so exercise caution.

What is the difference between "a joke about" and "a satire on"?

"A joke about" typically refers to a single instance of humor, while "a satire on" involves a broader critique using humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize societal issues or individual behaviors.

How do I ensure my joke is well-received when making "a joke about" something?

To ensure your joke is well-received, consider your audience, the context, and the potential impact of your words. Test your joke on a small, trusted group first, and be prepared to apologize if it offends someone. Timing and delivery are also crucial.