bent over with laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"bent over with laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe being so overcome with laughter that you have to bend over or double over in response. For example: Her joke was so funny that I was bent over with laughter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those boys held their stomachs and bent over with laughter.

The New Yorker

Misbah was so bemused to win the toss for the third time in the series that he bent over with laughter and offered Alastair Cook a sympathetic pat on the back.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She bent over, with her ass in the air.

Vice

Why do you snort with derision?" Horgan is bent over double with laughter.

The Guardian

I've bent over backward".

The New York Times

"To shake hands with the ambassador, Louis put down the rabbit – and the dog started chasing the rabbit through Sarkozy's office, which led to the unforgettable sight of Sarkozy, bent over, chasing the dog through the anteroom to his office as the dog chased the rabbit, and Louis filled the room with gleeful laughter".

The Guardian

The guy bent over backward.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So you bend over.

The New York Times

You were bending over?

The New Yorker

Now, bend over and bark.

Forbes

"They bend over incorrectly.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bent over with laughter" to vividly describe a character's reaction to something exceptionally funny. This phrase adds a physical dimension to the description, making it more relatable and engaging for the reader.

Common error

While expressive, avoid using "bent over with laughter" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more subdued descriptions of amusement, such as "smiling" or "finding it amusing", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent over with laughter" functions as a vivid descriptive element, typically acting as an adverbial modifier to illustrate the intensity of someone's laughter. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bent over with laughter" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone laughing so intensely that they are physically bending over. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a descriptive and expressive phrase primarily found in News & Media, Wiki and Academia contexts. While effective for vivid storytelling, it might be too informal for professional or scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "doubled over with laughter" for a similar effect or more subdued language for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubled over with laughter

Replaces "bent" with "doubled", emphasizing the physical folding of the body due to laughter.

bent double with laughter

Emphasizes the degree of bending, using "double" to indicate a strong curve.

collapsed with laughter

Suggests a loss of physical control and a sudden falling due to overwhelming laughter.

in stitches

An idiomatic expression indicating uncontrollable laughter.

rolling on the floor laughing

Emphasizes extreme physical reaction to something funny.

helpless with laughter

Focuses on the inability to control one's reaction due to intense laughter.

shaking with laughter

Highlights the physical tremors caused by strong laughter.

convulsed with laughter

Implies an involuntary, intense physical reaction resembling a convulsion due to laughter.

gripping their sides with laughter

Describes the act of holding one's sides due to the physical pain of laughing intensely.

weak with laughter

Suggests laughter has depleted physical strength.

FAQs

What does "bent over with laughter" mean?

It means someone is laughing so hard that they are physically bending over, often because they can't control their body due to the intensity of their laughter.

How can I use "bent over with laughter" in a sentence?

You can say, "The comedian's joke was so hilarious that the audience was "bent over with laughter"."

What are some synonyms for "bent over with laughter"?

Alternatives include "doubled over with laughter", "in stitches", or "rolling on the floor laughing".

Is it appropriate to use "bent over with laughter" in formal writing?

It's generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. Formal contexts may call for less expressive language.