a source of amusement

USAGE SUMMARY

"a source of amusement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that provides entertainment or laughter. For example, "Stand-up comedy is one of the most popular forms of entertainment, providing a source of amusement for all ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's always a source of amusement," O'Connor said.

The New York Times - Sports

The menu selected by the 2009 champion, ngel Cabrera, was a source of amusement.

The New York Times

My baldness was a source of amusement, sympathy and revulsion for everyone.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such jargon has long been a source of amusement and irritation in the business world.

The Guardian

When such self-deceiving practices were confined to the fringe they were a source of amusement.

The Guardian - Opinion

(He was kind of a shrimp, a source of amusement to his men).

The New Yorker

At first they seemed to find this hard to believe, then it became a source of amusement.

Independent

Women judged the noises he made embarrassing, children found them a source of amusement, men a proof of imbecility.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This irony has been a source of wry amusement.

The Guardian

Egypt's contradictions may be a source of infinite amusement, but also one of genuine distress.

The Guardian - Opinion

The swagger of highfalutin English is a source of constant amusement to Bennett.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a source of amusement" when you want to describe something that provides lighthearted entertainment or causes laughter. Ensure the context aligns with the intended tone, as the phrase generally implies a positive or neutral form of amusement.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of amusement" when the situation involves causing harm or distress to others through ridicule. "Amusement" should not be used to describe situations where someone is being intentionally mocked or humiliated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of amusement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as the origin or cause of amusement. Ludwig AI highlights the correct usage of this phrase, confirming its established role in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source of amusement" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that provides entertainment or laughter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding situations where "amusement" might imply mockery or harm. Alternatives like "a cause for laughter" or "a provider of entertainment" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for laughter

Replaces 'source' with 'cause', emphasizing the reason behind the amusement.

a reason for mirth

Substitutes 'amusement' with 'mirth', suggesting a more joyful and lighthearted feeling.

a generator of laughter

Replaces 'source' with 'generator', highlighting the ability to produce laughter.

a provider of entertainment

Focuses on the entertainment aspect rather than just amusement.

a fountain of joy

Uses a more figurative expression emphasizing the abundance of joy.

a barrel of laughs

An idiomatic expression suggesting a situation or person that is very funny.

a comical incident

Refers to a specific event that is amusing or funny.

a funny occurrence

Similar to 'comical incident' but slightly more general.

an object of ridicule

Shifts the focus to something that is laughed at, possibly with a negative connotation.

an endless joke

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the amusement.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of amusement" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of amusement" to describe anything that brings joy or laughter. For example, "His quirky habits were "a source of amusement" to his colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "a source of amusement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a cause for laughter", "a reason for mirth", or "a provider of entertainment".

Is "a source of amusement" formal or informal?

"A source of amusement" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the specific situation and audience when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "a source of amusement" and "an object of ridicule"?

"A source of amusement" implies something that is found funny or entertaining in a positive or neutral way. "An object of ridicule", on the other hand, suggests something or someone that is laughed at in a mocking or contemptuous manner.