a quick laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief moment of humor or amusement. Example: "After a long day at work, all I needed was a quick laugh to lighten my mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

(And, no, she said with a quick laugh, McQueen is not making Kate Middleton's wedding dress).

The New York Times

"It's brewing that's in mine," Neil's mother said with a quick laugh.

The New Yorker

"That sort of thing can be fun for a quick laugh, but Mike gives you more".

The New York Times - Arts

And while it's obviously a quick laugh, it does have a deeper point.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Giordano, 37, with boyish good looks and a quick laugh, weathers it well.

The New York Times

But Mr. Donziger, a bear of a man with a quick laugh and a robust ego, says he is unbowed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

With all the heaviness in this world, we all could use a few quick laughs a day.

Huffington Post

Mr. Ward, 61, is a slender man with thinning hair, warm eyes and a shy but quick laugh.

The New York Times - Style

Xuefei (pronounced shu-FAY) Jin, who writes under the pen name Ha Jin, is a courtly and soft-spoken man who punctuates stories like this one with a quick, apologetic laugh -- a laugh that says, "How silly this must all sound".

The New York Times - Magazine

Like his daughter, Naeem has a quick tongue and a ready laugh.

The New Yorker

Again, there is an easy smile and quick laugh, yet the focus of this film is the past when Springsteen was relentlessly struggling to realize his musical vision.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick laugh" to describe a brief, often spontaneous expression of amusement in informal or narrative contexts. It's suitable for describing a character's reaction or a fleeting moment of levity.

Common error

While "a quick laugh" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "a brief moment of levity" or a more descriptive phrase that suits the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick laugh" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a brief and often spontaneous expression of amusement or levity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a quick laugh" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a brief moment of amusement. According to Ludwig AI, it is both correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to depict a character's reaction or inject a light tone into narratives. While it is suitable for many contexts, overuse in highly formal writing should be avoided. Alternatives such as "a brief chuckle" or "a fleeting smile" can offer nuance depending on the desired emotional intensity. Given its common usage and clear meaning, "a quick laugh" is a reliable and versatile phrase for describing brief expressions of amusement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief chuckle

Replaces "laugh" with "chuckle" for a softer, more subdued expression of amusement.

a short giggle

Substitutes "laugh" with "giggle", implying a lighter, often more childish or nervous expression of amusement.

a momentary chuckle

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the laugh, similar to "quick".

a fleeting smile

Shifts from audible laughter to a visual expression of amusement, focusing on the smile.

a suppressed laugh

Highlights the effort to contain or minimize the laughter.

a burst of laughter

Changes the nuance to a sudden, brief outburst of laughter.

a ripple of amusement

Conveys a sense of light-hearted enjoyment spreading subtly.

a hint of mirth

Indicates a subtle, almost understated sense of amusement.

a flicker of humor

Emphasizes the momentary and subtle nature of the humor experienced.

a spasm of glee

Highlights a sudden and intense feeling of joy or delight.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick laugh" to describe a brief, often spontaneous moment of amusement, as in, "She dismissed the comment with "a quick laugh" and moved on to the next topic".

What are some alternatives to "a quick laugh"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a brief chuckle", "a short giggle", or "a fleeting smile" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a quick laugh" formal or informal?

"A quick laugh" is generally considered informal. While perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using a more sophisticated phrase, like a "brief moment of amusement".

What's the difference between "a quick laugh" and "a hearty laugh"?

"A quick laugh" implies a brief, often subdued expression of amusement, while "a hearty laugh" suggests a more robust, unrestrained expression of joy or amusement. The choice depends on the intensity of the laughter you wish to convey.