absence of laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment where laughter is not present, often implying a lack of joy or humor. Example: "The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, marked by the absence of laughter that usually accompanied their gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's just absence of laughter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While Sanders picked up an instant following among the chattering classes, its originality signalled by the absence of a laughter track, the darkness of its plots, and the amorality of its characters, Seinfeld's flip one-liners, musical stings, and audience reaction meant it was mistaken by many viewers for any old American sitcom.

The Guardian - Film

They knew too well the coldness that would await them there, the absence of Michael's laughter and light, the sounds and images of his final moments filling every too-quiet corner.

Huffington Post

Her daughter said: "While there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colourful and less full of laughter in his absence.

Independent

Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colourful and less full of laughter in his absence.

BBC

"And while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence.

Huffington Post

"Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known," she wrote, in part, "and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence.

Huffington Post

"Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence.

Los Angeles Times

After all, he loved to laugh too... .. "Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence.

Huffington Post

Bergson refers to "the absence of feeling which usually accompanies laughter" and says that in a society composed of pure intelligences there would be no tears, whereas one made up of highly emotional souls would neither know nor understand laughter.

The Guardian

For Emitted Laughter, the speaker was instructed to simulate tokens of amusement laughter, in the absence of any external stimulation and without entering a genuine state of amusement.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absence of laughter" when you want to specifically highlight the lack of joyful expression, particularly in situations where it would normally be expected.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "absence of laughter" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "no laughter" or "nobody laughed" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of laughter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state or condition where laughter is not present. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of laughter" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid expression used to denote the lack of laughter, often implying a lack of joy or humor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it can also appear in scientific or more formal writings. Although grammatically correct, simpler alternatives are available for informal settings. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey—a deliberate highlighting of the lack of joyful expression where it might otherwise be expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of amusement

Uses a more general term to indicate a lack of enjoyment or pleasure.

no sound of laughter

Focuses on the auditory absence of laughter.

without any laughter

A simpler, more direct way to state the lack of laughter.

without a hint of laughter

Emphasizes that not even a small amount of laughter is present.

lack of merriment

Replaces "laughter" with a synonym emphasizing the joy and cheerfulness that's missing.

void of mirth

Highlights the emptiness and lack of amusement.

devoid of humor

Focuses on the absence of anything funny or comical.

absence of gaiety

Replaces "laughter" with a synonym emphasizing the cheerful and lighthearted nature that's missing.

lack of levity

Focuses on the missing lightness and lack of seriousness.

silence where laughter should be

Emphasizes the contrast between the expected sound of laughter and the existing quiet.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of laughter" to describe a situation lacking joy or humor. For example, "The meeting was marked by a noticeable "lack of laughter", indicating the seriousness of the topic."

What's a more informal way to say "absence of laughter"?

More informal alternatives include "no laughter", "nobody laughed", or a "lack of laughter" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "absence of laughter"?

While grammatically correct, "absence of laughter" might sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider whether a simpler phrase would be more appropriate.

What does "absence of laughter" imply?

The phrase "absence of laughter" typically implies a lack of joy, humor, or amusement in a given situation. It can also suggest tension or seriousness.