cause for laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, event, or statement that is amusing or funny. Example: "The comedian's latest routine was a true cause for laughter, leaving the audience in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By Wolcott Gibbs The New Yorker, March 4, 1939 P. 11 Comment on cause for laughter: Dorothy Thompson laughed At the Nazi meeting at Madison Square Garden.

The New Yorker

There was some heckling during the play, primarily from some of the white attendees, however a reviewer from The Washington Post reported that "the earnestness and intelligence of several of the leading performers were such as to command the respect of those most disposed to find cause for laughter in everything that was said or done".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The film itself is cause for much laughter, something lacking only apparently in Sutherland's 24-centred professional life.

Independent

It was clear from the first scenes of "Grace" that Mr. Rudd's audience was primed to find the actor endlessly amusing, And even as his character, a would-be hotelier named Steve, found himself slowly drowning in marital and financial trouble, the audience continued to find his plight cause for comfortable laughter.

The New York Times

For Lewis, laughter is what being might look like from the point of view of non-being; and antagonism, which puts being at risk, is the primary cause of laughter.

The Guardian - Books

Both Cicero and Francis Bacon regarded deformity as the most frequent cause of laughter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here was another cause for celebration and laughter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a side effect of our search for side effects, we also list pathological causes of laughter, among them epilepsy (gelastic seizures), cerebral tumours, Angelman's syndrome, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or motor neuron disease.

British Medical Journal

(Egyptians have a gift for laughter, one cause for optimism).

The New York Times

Here is a thing of the past, being passed off as a cause for present concern and present laughter.

The New York Times

So the next time, probably in the next five minutes, when they are approached by yet another stranger who treats them if they are old friends, I hope they can be at peace knowing it's really just their own fault for making us love them that much, by shattering our defenses by causing helpless laughter for which we will forever hold them in our hearts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause for laughter", ensure the context clearly indicates what is prompting the amusement. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or examples.

Common error

While "cause for laughter" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "source of amusement" or "reason to laugh".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for laughter" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that evokes amusement or mirth. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It indicates the origin or reason behind laughter.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause for laughter" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that indicates something prompting amusement. While Ludwig AI marks it as valid, its usage frequency is uncommon. It is versatile, appearing in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "reason to laugh" or "source of amusement". To enhance your writing, ensure clarity when specifying the source of amusement and avoid overuse to maintain a varied and engaging style. Keep in mind, "cause for laughter" can be a versatile asset in your written expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason to laugh

Focuses on the reason behind the laughter, emphasizing the justification for amusement.

source of amusement

Highlights the origin or provider of the amusement, shifting the emphasis from the laughter itself.

reason for mirth

Uses a more formal term, 'mirth', replacing 'laughter' to indicate amusement.

occasion for laughter

Emphasizes the event or situation that prompts the laughter, rather than the reason.

something to laugh about

A more colloquial expression, suggesting a lighthearted or humorous topic.

a funny thing

Highlights something humorous and a reason of a potential laughing matter.

laughable matter

Emphasizes the amusing or ridiculous nature of the subject.

a joke

The expression is direct and simply alludes to something funny.

comedy material

Highlights the potential origin that could lead to laughter.

humorous incident

Focuses on the event that leads to a possible lighthearted reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for laughter" to describe a situation, event, or statement that is amusing or funny. For example, "The comedian's latest routine was a true "cause for laughter", leaving the audience in stitches."

What are some alternatives to "cause for laughter"?

You can use alternatives like "reason to laugh", "source of amusement", or "reason for mirth" depending on the context.

Is "cause for laughter" formal or informal?

"Cause for laughter" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "reason for mirth" might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "cause for laughter" and "something to laugh about"?

"Cause for laughter" is a more general term that indicates something prompts laughter. "Something to laugh about" often implies a lighthearted or humorous topic that is more casual.