amusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "amusing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is funny or entertaining in a way that is light and not malicious. For example, "The stand-up comedian's jokes were so amusing that everyone was in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Strong", "determined", "honest", "down to earth" and "amusing" were some of the words used to describe the Ukip leader by some in the focus group, four of whom judged him as the victor.

The Guardian

The revelations about the Tory auction at Grosvenor House, published on Buzzfeed, are amusing but probably not very surprising.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Robin Williams shoot in a hotel room in central London was going disastrously: the interview had run over, there was little or no time for the portrait, and Williams was bouncing around the place amusing the numerous publicity people and assistants.

The Guardian - Arts

#PMQs — joncraigSKY (@joncraig) May 7, 2014 Father of House Sir Peter Tapsell in his usual place for PMQs after giving one of many amusing readings at Hoggart memorial in Smith Square.

The Guardian

To the historically minded, it's also amusing that the fears about games are couched in exactly the same terms that 18th-century parents once used about the danger of letting their daughters read novels: they're too isolating, too absorbing; it's not healthy to spend that much time alone feeling strong emotions about a fictional story.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even when I ended up bleeding heavily after a skateboarding accident – chemotherapy weakens the scarring process – my friend found it amusing, which made it seem less serious.

The Guardian

"The Information contains some amusing and nasty portrayals of LA SoCal nihilism.

The Guardian - Books

But the chemistry between Abdul and Cowell was what made those early seasons so amusing, Simon trying manfully to try and keep the show's semblance of seriousness going while, for example, Abdul growled at him or stepping in before Abdul makes things a little too X-rated for a family show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The authors start with ghosts, firstly explaining that the "cold chills" often experienced in haunted houses are actually just a result of poor insulation (no EU building regs in the olden days), and secondly noting the rather amusing paradox that ghosts are often portrayed as walking, despite having no physical body.

The Guardian

I remember thinking it was a slightly amusing attempt at a jargon shift that would never catch on.

The Guardian - Film

A highly amusing though grossly overrated book – it is no wonder that it was voted the 20th century's best American novel, because Americans sincerely believe that they actually invented style: the best that money can buy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amusing" when you want to describe something that provides light entertainment or gentle humor without being overly comical or outrageous. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, from describing a slightly funny anecdote to a mildly entertaining movie.

Common error

Avoid using "amusing" excessively in highly formal or serious contexts where a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. In those situations, consider synonyms like "interesting", "intriguing", or "noteworthy" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "amusing" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes amusement or entertainment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correctly used to describe things that are entertaining or funny in a light-hearted way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "amusing" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe something that provides light entertainment or mild humor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used term found frequently in News & Media sources. While "amusing" is suitable for various contexts, including formal and informal, it's best to avoid overusing it in highly serious or somber situations. Alternatives like "funny", "entertaining", and "witty" can offer more precise nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

funny

Replaces "amusing" with a more direct and common term for something that causes laughter.

entertaining

Shifts the focus to the enjoyment derived from the subject, rather than just humor.

hilarious

Expresses a stronger degree of amusement and laughter.

witty

Suggests cleverness and intelligence in the humor.

humorous

A more formal synonym for "amusing", suitable for more serious contexts.

comical

Emphasizes the absurdity or ridiculousness of the subject.

diverting

Highlights the ability to distract and entertain.

droll

Implies a dry, understated sense of humor.

laughable

Suggests something that is so ridiculous it provokes laughter.

jolly

Describes humor that is lighthearted and cheerful.

FAQs

How can I use "amusing" in a sentence?

You can use "amusing" to describe something that is funny or entertaining. For example, "The film had some "amusing" moments, but it wasn't consistently hilarious."

What's a good alternative to "amusing"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "amusing" could include "funny", "entertaining", "witty", or "humorous".

Is "amusing" more formal than "funny"?

Generally, "amusing" is considered slightly more formal than "funny", but both are widely accepted. "Amusing" suggests a lighter, perhaps more subtle form of entertainment, while "funny" is more direct.

When is it inappropriate to use "amusing"?

Avoid using "amusing" in very serious or somber contexts where levity is unwanted or could be perceived as disrespectful. In those situations, it's better to choose more neutral or sensitive language.