a low laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quiet or subdued laugh, often implying a sense of amusement or mockery. Example: "She let out a low laugh at the absurdity of the situation, shaking her head in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There was a breathy sound on the line that might have been a low laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

"By accident I went beyond the reserve price and I got the harp," she said, with a low laugh.

The New York Times

With little more than a low laugh, one waiter persuaded us to try the savory cheesecake as an appetizer, and we were glad we did.

The New York Times

She kept them both balanced until he righted himself, muttering self-reproaches, to which she responded with a low laugh like the glu-glu of a guinea hen, muffled by the windbreaker drawn up over her mouth.

The New Yorker

"This is what old people eat," he says, with a low laugh (as it happens, I won't do this; I have the food book he wrote with Eldredge, Life is Meals: A Food Lover's Book of Days; Salter is something of a bon viveur, on the quiet).

The Guardian - Books

"It was my father's bedtime stories" said Ludwig with a low laugh in his undiluted German accent.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And as we passed, we laughed--a low, tinkling laugh, like the sound of sleighbells in frosty night air.

The New Yorker

He lets out a long, low laugh.

BBC

She laughs; a low, dusky laugh.

The Guardian - Film

If you chose to do a low-pitched laugh and you are capable of adding an echo effect, do so.

WikiHow

The policeman gave a low, deprecating laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a low laugh" to subtly convey amusement, skepticism, or a hidden joke within your narrative. This phrase is effective in creating character nuance and adding depth to dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "a low laugh" in situations that require a more overt or joyful expression of humor. It's best suited for moments of understated amusement, irony, or when a character is trying to suppress a more boisterous reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low laugh" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., gave, emitted, responded with). It describes a specific type of laughter characterized by its subdued volume and tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and describes a quiet, often mocking or amused laugh.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a low laugh" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a subtle and often nuanced form of laughter. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s effective for conveying understated amusement, skepticism, or a hidden joke, as evidenced by its usage in various reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it is more commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to add depth and character nuance to writing. When aiming for subtle emotional conveyance, "a low laugh" presents a strong choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a soft chuckle

Focuses on the quiet and gentle nature of the laugh.

a quiet giggle

Emphasizes the subdued and possibly nervous or amused quality of the laugh.

a suppressed laugh

Highlights the effort to hold back or contain the laughter.

a throaty chuckle

Indicates a laugh that resonates from the throat, suggesting a deep or hearty sound.

a rumbling laugh

Implies a deep, resonant, and continuous sound of laughter.

a husky laugh

Suggests a slightly hoarse or raspy quality to the laughter.

a breathy laugh

Describes a laugh that is accompanied by audible breaths, potentially indicating amusement or nervousness.

a muted chuckle

Highlights a muffled or quiet expression of amusement.

a deep chuckle

Stresses the depth and resonance of the laughter.

a stifled laugh

Focuses on the act of suppressing a laugh, indicating an attempt to conceal amusement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a low laugh" to describe a character's reaction to a situation, such as: "She responded to his comment with "a low laugh", clearly unconvinced by his explanation."

What are some alternatives to "a low laugh"?

Alternatives include "a soft chuckle", "a quiet giggle", or "a suppressed laugh", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "a low laugh"?

While generally acceptable, "a low laugh" might be unsuitable in contexts that require overt expressions of joy or amusement. It's best reserved for situations involving subtlety, irony, or a restrained reaction.

What does "a low laugh" imply about a character's personality?

Using "a low laugh" can suggest that a character is either subtly amused, skeptical, or attempting to hide their true feelings. It often implies a degree of self-control or a reserved demeanor.