amusing aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amusing aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a humorous or interesting comment that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion. Example: "While discussing the history of the city, the tour guide made an amusing aside about the local legend of the haunted lighthouse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As an amusing aside, I've also made my home in a part of London called Denmark Hill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was one amusing aside to this savings drive though: suddenly Osborne has seen the virtue of government debt when rebranded as a pensioner bond.

The Guardian - Opinion

5.14pm BST An amusing aside courtesy of the former BBC radio DJ Danny Baker Danny Bakerr (@prodnose) Don't like BBC Trust.

The Guardian

The opinion contained one amusing aside involving The Times, whose parent company is mired in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

Forbes

Quoting a passage in which Plantinga reports the results of some calculations with probabilities, Myers asks, "First, an amusing aside: [Plantinga acknowledges] the assistance of someone else in doing those calculations.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

As an amusing aside – unless your name is Randy Pitchford, I guess – the Overwatch beta launched the day after Battleborn came out in stores, on May the 3rd, which flattened what little momentum Gearbox's stylised squad-based shooter had going for it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

All the while Mr. Murphy tosses out amusing asides, weighty philosophical observations and contemporary analogies.

The New York Times - Books

There are dozens of drolleries and amusing asides – Engel is a wonderfully wry comic writer.

The Guardian - Books

He sprinkled the book with amusing asides, including all-time best-seller-list assessments.

The New York Times

At such moments, improvising is low in the mix: it's more organised chaos with amusing asides.

The Guardian

John and Paul in Rome to the cathedral in New York, did not wander off into amusing asides, and the new archbishop smiled little.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "amusing aside". Ensure the humor is appropriate and relevant to avoid alienating or confusing readers.

Common error

Avoid using "amusing aside" too frequently, as it can distract from the main argument or make the writing seem frivolous. Reserve it for moments where a brief, relevant humorous comment truly enhances the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amusing aside" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a brief, humorous digression or comment within a larger discussion or text. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to signal a shift to a lighter, often tangential observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "amusing aside" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for introducing a brief, humorous digression. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's commonly used in news and media, science and books, fitting well within neutral to slightly informal contexts. While effective for engaging audiences, it should be used sparingly to avoid distracting from the main topic. Alternatives include "humorous digression" and "funny interjection". The phrase enjoys moderate frequency and a high expert rating, making it a valuable addition to one's writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humorous digression

Focuses on the digressive nature and humor.

funny interjection

Emphasizes the sudden and humorous nature of the comment.

comic relief

Highlights the function of providing humor to alleviate tension.

witty remark

Stresses the clever and humorous quality of the comment.

jocular comment

Indicates a lighthearted and amusing observation.

lighthearted quip

Highlights the brief, witty, and cheerful nature of the remark.

brief jest

Focuses on the shortness and humorous intent.

amusing anecdote

Refers to a short, entertaining story.

droll observation

Highlights the dry, humorous, and understated nature of the comment.

comical interlude

Emphasizes the interruption with something comical.

FAQs

How can I use "amusing aside" in a sentence?

Use "amusing aside" to introduce a brief, humorous comment that is related to the main topic but not essential to it. For example, "As an "amusing aside", I've always found it ironic that the committee tasked with simplifying procedures created even more complexity."

What's a good alternative to "amusing aside"?

You can use alternatives such as "humorous digression", "funny interjection", or "comic relief" depending on the context.

Is "amusing aside" formal or informal?

"Amusing aside" is generally suitable for neutral to informal contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using a more neutral term like "relevant digression" or "brief observation".

What makes a good "amusing aside"?

A good "amusing aside" is brief, relevant to the main topic, and genuinely humorous without being offensive or distracting. It should enhance the reader's understanding or enjoyment of the text.