a sense of irony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of irony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, often in a humorous or poignant way. Example: "The author's use of a sense of irony in the story highlights the absurdity of the characters' situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(Fashion does have a sense of irony).

The New York Times

A sense of irony is essential.

The Guardian

He doesn't have a sense of irony.

The Guardian

Fate, says Morpheus, is not without a sense of irony.

The Economist

"He is relaxed, ordinary, with a sense of irony".

The New York Times

fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony".

The Guardian - Tech

He had too large a sense of irony for that.

The New York Times

Maybe they appreciate an heiress with a sense of irony.

The New York Times

He said, "Abe is very gentle and slow to anger, with a sense of irony.

The New Yorker

He showed Arabs as human beings, with a sense of irony that was quite rare".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To agents, producers, and executives--a group not distinguished by a sense of irony--a script is either "a piece of shit" or "the greatest script ever written".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of irony" to subtly convey a character's or situation's complexity, adding depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of irony" when you actually mean sarcasm. Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality, while sarcasm is a form of mockery or sharp wit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of irony" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes someone's ability to perceive and appreciate irony. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of irony" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes someone's ability to recognize and appreciate irony. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Usage analysis reveals that the phrase functions to characterize individuals or entities based on their understanding of irony. Related phrases include "an appreciation for irony" and "a capacity for irony", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish irony from sarcasm to ensure accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appreciation for irony

Emphasizes the positive valuing of irony, differing from simply possessing a sense of it.

a capacity for irony

Focuses on the ability to understand and process ironic situations.

a feel for irony

Suggests an intuitive understanding or instinct regarding irony.

an awareness of irony

Highlights the recognition and acknowledgement of ironic elements.

a humorous outlook

Shifts the focus to a general comedic perspective, which can encompass irony.

a sarcastic wit

Emphasizes the use of sarcasm, which often overlaps with irony, but is more pointed.

an understanding of incongruity

Highlights the cognitive aspect of grasping the disparity between what is expected and what occurs.

a talent for satire

Suggests a developed skill for using irony, humor and wit to criticize people's stupidity or vices.

a cynical perspective

Highlights the negative aspect of irony with more emphasis on disillusionment or distrust.

a dry sense of humor

Relates to a subtle and understated type of humor, where irony is often present.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of irony" in a sentence?

You can use "a sense of irony" to describe someone's ability to recognize or appreciate the contrast between what is said and what is actually meant, or between appearance and reality. For example, "He approached the absurd situation with "a sense of irony"."

What's the difference between "a sense of irony" and "a sense of humor"?

"A sense of humor" is a broad term referring to the ability to find things amusing, while "a sense of irony" specifically refers to the ability to recognize and appreciate situations where there's a contrast between expectation and reality. Someone with "a sense of humor" might laugh at a joke, while someone with "a sense of irony" might find amusement in a situation's inherent contradictions.

What can I say instead of "a sense of irony"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an appreciation for irony", "a capacity for irony", or "a feel for irony".

Is it correct to say someone lacks "a sense of irony"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say that someone lacks "a sense of irony". It means they don't easily recognize or appreciate ironic situations. For example, "He completely missed the joke; he clearly lacks "a sense of irony"."