bursts of laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"bursts of laughter" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe sudden, loud outbursts of laughter from a group of people. Example: The comedy show was so funny that it elicited bursts of laughter from the audience throughout the entire performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These are matched by spontaneous, giddy bursts of laughter.

The New York Times

There were still bursts of laughter, although darker than in any other De Vries book.

The New Yorker

"What could make a dog disappear so fast?" "Man!" someone called out to bursts of laughter.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, as we were talking, bursts of laughter kept interrupting us from another table.

The New Yorker

But here, despite occasional bursts of laughter, the atmosphere is one of quiet, almost dreaming concentration.

The New York Times

They dissolved into a pitter-patter of French and bursts of laughter.

The New York Times - Magazine

All afternoon more keep tumbling out, between bursts of laughter and angry, wide-eyed despair.

The Guardian

As we sat in the kitchen, she continued her animated monologue, punctuated by frequent bursts of laughter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Exuberant and prone to charming bursts of laughter, Caixia Gao embodies the optimistic, energetic present of GMO research in China.

MIT Technology Review

The performance was regularly interrupted by bursts of laughter, guffaws, squeaks and knowing humorous rumbles and moans.

The New York Times - Arts

To bursts of laughter, he adds: 'If there's any more of that there'll be retaliation on the hand gestures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bursts of laughter" to vividly depict spontaneous and collective amusement in written narratives. This phrase is particularly effective when describing social gatherings, performances, or humorous events.

Common error

While "bursts of laughter" is appropriate for descriptive writing, avoid overuse in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral language like "expressions of amusement" or "positive audience response" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bursts of laughter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or state of being related to laughter. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bursts of laughter" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe sudden, loud outbursts of laughter, as Ludwig AI confirms. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, this phrase vividly depicts joy and amusement. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "expressions of amusement". To enhance your writing, use "bursts of laughter" when aiming to capture spontaneous, collective amusement but avoid overuse in formal settings. Explore related phrases like ""fits of laughter"" or ""peals of laughter"" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fits of laughter

Replaces "bursts" with "fits", implying a slightly more uncontrollable or prolonged episode of laughter.

peals of laughter

Substitutes "bursts" with "peals", suggesting a ringing or resonant quality to the laughter.

gales of laughter

Replaces "bursts" with "gales", indicating a strong and unrestrained outpouring of laughter.

waves of laughter

Substitutes "bursts" with "waves", conveying a sense of laughter washing over a group.

roars of laughter

Replaces "bursts" with "roars", implying loud and boisterous laughter.

outbreaks of laughter

Substitutes "bursts" with "outbreaks", suggesting a sudden and widespread eruption of laughter.

eruptions of laughter

Replaces "bursts" with "eruptions", implying a sudden and forceful release of laughter.

sounds of merriment

This is a more general term that replaces "bursts of laughter" with a broader description of joyful sounds.

moments of hilarity

Shifts the focus to the cause of the laughter, highlighting the humorous nature of the situation.

uproarious laughter

This alternative uses an adjective to describe the laughter, emphasizing its boisterous and unrestrained quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "bursts of laughter" to describe a scene where people are laughing suddenly and loudly, such as "The comedian's jokes were met with "bursts of laughter" from the audience".

What are some synonyms for "bursts of laughter"?

Alternatives include "fits of laughter", "peals of laughter", or "gales of laughter", depending on the intensity and sound you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bursts of laughter" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bursts of laughter" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "expressions of amusement" or "positive audience reactions" instead.

What's the difference between "bursts of laughter" and "sounds of merriment"?

"Bursts of laughter" refers specifically to the act of laughing, while "sounds of merriment" is a broader term encompassing all joyful sounds, not just laughter.