awfully funny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awfully funny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is humorously surprising or unexpectedly amusing, often with a hint of irony. Example: "The comedian's routine was awfully funny, leaving the audience in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Sounded awfully funny to us.

The New Yorker

It's awfully funny just to watch.

The New York Times

The way Wambaugh tells his politically incorrect tale, if it weren't so terribly sad, it would be awfully funny.

The New York Times - Books

8. Another is that it is, amid its pathos, awfully funny.

The Guardian - Books

The film is one man's take on how things are, and it's an awfully funny one.

The New York Times

That's where the story gets awfully funny -- that is, it's funny, but it's also awful.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Hmm… sounds awfully suspect.

TechCrunch

That seemed awfully curious.

Huffington Post

It was awfully curious timing.

Huffington Post

Choosing a front-runner among the best play nominees feels like folly, but the Rialto odds-makers have been favoring "Clybourne Park" and "Other Desert Cities" – two plays with strong ensemble casts, exceptionally funny lines amid awfully nasty dialogue, and authors (Bruce Norris and Jon Robin Baitz, respectively) who have never been produced on Broadway before.

The New York Times

Why, cover "Wonderwall" of course (awfully, which only made it funnier), followed by a much-cheered rendition of his own hit "99 Problems".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awfully funny" when you want to express that something is surprisingly or unexpectedly humorous, often with a touch of irony. It can imply that the humor is derived from an awkward or uncomfortable situation.

Common error

While "awfully funny" is a valid expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Too much repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your descriptions of humor with alternatives like "incredibly funny" or "ridiculously funny".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awfully funny" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying an adjective. It amplifies the degree to which something is funny, implying a surprising or unexpected level of humor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awfully funny" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is surprisingly or ironically humorous. As Ludwig AI states, it’s widely accepted, particularly in News & Media. While "awfully funny" is suitable for many situations, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "incredibly funny" or "ridiculously funny" can provide variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredibly funny

Emphasizes a higher degree of funniness than "awfully funny".

really funny

A more straightforward and common way of saying something is funny.

extremely funny

Highlights the extreme nature of the humor.

very funny

A common and neutral alternative.

hilariously amusing

Highlights the light-hearted nature of the humor.

downright comical

Suggests a more overt and obvious form of humor.

ridiculously funny

Emphasizes the absurdity of the humor.

uncommonly amusing

Highlights the unexpected or unusual nature of the humor.

exceptionally humorous

Emphasizes the superior quality of the humor.

remarkably comical

Emphasizes the noticeable and memorable nature of the humor.

FAQs

How can I use "awfully funny" in a sentence?

You can use "awfully funny" to describe something surprisingly or ironically humorous. For example, "The situation was awfully funny, considering how serious it was supposed to be".

What's the difference between "awfully funny" and "very funny"?

"Very funny" is a straightforward way to describe something humorous. "Awfully funny" suggests a surprising or slightly awkward kind of humor, often with an element of irony.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "awfully funny"?

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid using "awfully funny" in overly formal or serious writing where a more straightforward description of humor might be more suitable. In such cases, consider alternatives like "extremely funny" or "incredibly funny".

What are some alternatives to "awfully funny"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "incredibly funny", "ridiculously funny", or "surprisingly humorous".