a laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

"A laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to convey an emotion or response, or to invoke a feeling of amusement or mirth. For example, "The funny story had us all in a fit of a laugh".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A laugh.

Independent

This got a laugh.

The New Yorker

Marinus barks a laugh.

The New Yorker

We shared a laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

This elicited a laugh.

The New Yorker

Flynn was a laugh.

The New Yorker

Hurting for a laugh?

The New York Times

' " He forced a laugh.

The New Yorker

I want a laugh".

The New Yorker

Have a laugh.

The New York Times

You're having a laugh!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a laugh" to indicate a moment of amusement or something that is considered funny. For example, "The comedian's joke earned a big laugh from the audience."

Common error

While "a laugh" is commonly used, avoid overusing it in formal writing where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider alternatives like "amusement" or "mirth" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a laugh" functions primarily as a noun, representing an instance or expression of amusement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. The phrase can also act as a subject or object in a sentence, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a laugh" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote an instance of amusement or humor. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as informal conversations. While versatile, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Remember to "have a laugh" but also be mindful of the context!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chuckle

Slightly milder expression of amusement than "a laugh".

a hearty laugh

Emphasizes the genuineness and enthusiasm of the laughter.

a giggle

Implies a more lighthearted and often childish form of laughter.

a stifled laugh

Describes an attempt to suppress laughter.

a roar of laughter

Indicates a loud and boisterous expression of amusement.

a fit of laughter

Indicates a prolonged and uncontrollable episode of laughter.

a burst of laughter

Suggests a sudden and brief expression of amusement.

a peal of laughter

Evokes a clear and ringing sound of laughter.

a wry smile

Implies a subtle and often ironic amusement.

a snicker

Suggests a suppressed or mocking laugh.

FAQs

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

You can use "a laugh" to describe an instance of amusement or to indicate that something is funny. For instance, "The movie provided /s/plenty+of+laughs" or "His joke got /s/a+big+laugh".

What are some alternatives to "a laugh"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "/s/a+chuckle" or "/s/a+giggle" for milder amusement, or "/s/a+roar+of+laughter" for more intense amusement.

Is it correct to say "have a laugh"?

Yes, "have a laugh" is a common and correct expression. It means to enjoy a moment of amusement or to find something funny.

What's the difference between "a laugh" and "laughter"?

"A laugh" refers to a single instance or expression of amusement, while "laughter" is a more general term for the act or sound of laughing. For example, "He let out /s/a+loud+laugh", versus "The room was filled with /s/laughter".