a playful jest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a playful jest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a light-hearted or humorous remark made in a joking manner. Example: "His comment about the weather was just a playful jest, meant to lighten the mood during the serious discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blog adheres to the adage that many a great truth is spoken in jest, and semi-serious issues are wrapped in a playful guise.

The New York Times

It was a playful tiff.

Independent

A playful argument.

The New York Times

Almost a playful smile".

The Guardian - Music

Nadja teased him in a playful way.

The New Yorker

Mr. Plepler is also a playful mimic.

The New York Times

George has a playful side.

The New York Times - Books

A playful love poem c.

The New York Times

Sammy in a playful mood?

The New York Times - Food

A playful yet serious vegetarian manifesto.

The New Yorker

But Abramson has a playful eye.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a playful jest" to introduce a humorous or ironic statement, signaling to your audience that the comment is not intended to be taken too seriously. This can help lighten the mood and foster a more relaxed atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "a playful jest" when addressing sensitive topics or individuals who are likely to misinterpret humor as offensive. Always consider your audience and the potential impact of your words to ensure your jest is well-received.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a playful jest" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular kind of statement or action. The adjective "playful" modifies the noun "jest", indicating the manner in which the jest is delivered. Although there are no exact examples in Ludwig, it aligns with the AI's observation that it describes a lighthearted remark.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a playful jest" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a lighthearted or humorous remark. While Ludwig AI indicates it's usable, its actual usage appears to be infrequent, as no direct examples were found. The phrase conveys a sense of levity and is best suited for informal or neutral contexts, signaling that the communication is not intended to be overly serious. Related phrases include alternatives like ""a lighthearted joke"" or ""a humorous quip"", which may be more commonly used depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lighthearted joke

Replaces "jest" with "joke", emphasizing the humorous nature of the remark.

a humorous quip

Substitutes "jest" with "quip", highlighting the witty and concise quality of the remark.

a good-natured tease

Focuses on the teasing aspect, implying the remark is friendly and without malice.

a jocular remark

Uses "jocular" to describe the remark, suggesting a cheerful and joking manner.

a witty banter

Highlights the clever and amusing exchange, indicating a back-and-forth conversation.

a facetious comment

Implies the remark is not meant to be taken seriously, often used to address something serious with humor.

a whimsical remark

Suggests the remark is light, fanciful, and perhaps a bit quirky.

a lighthearted gibe

Uses "gibe", suggesting a slightly sarcastic but ultimately harmless remark.

a teasing comment

Reiterates the teasing nature of the remark, emphasizing its playful intent.

a humorous observation

Focuses on the remark being an amusing observation about something.

FAQs

How can "a playful jest" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a playful jest" to describe a lighthearted or humorous remark made in a joking manner. For instance, "His comment about the weather was just "a playful jest", meant to lighten the mood during the serious discussion."

What are some alternatives to saying "a playful jest"?

Alternatives include "a lighthearted joke", "a humorous quip", or "a good-natured tease" depending on the specific context.

Is "a playful jest" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a playful jest" might be more suited for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct language, like "humorous comment" or "witty remark", unless you are deliberately aiming for a lighter tone.

What's the difference between "a playful jest" and "sarcasm"?

"A playful jest" generally implies lightheartedness and good intentions, whereas sarcasm often involves irony or mockery, which can be less benign. The intent and tone behind the expression differentiate the two.