collapsed with laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"collapsed with laughter" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is laughing so hard that they lose their composure or physically fall down. Example: After hearing the joke, she collapsed with laughter, unable to catch her breath. Alternative expressions include "burst out laughing" and "fell over laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And he just started to read one name after another, and we of course were collapsed with laughter.

The Guardian

When the phone was put down, it was later reported, "Nixon and his friends collapsed with laughter".

The Guardian

Still, after simultaneously greeting each other with the words, "I've got good news!" one night after work this week (he went first, she promptly collapsed with laughter), things in the Frayn/Tomalin household have been rather jolly.

The Guardian - Books

It was always very hard to get up the stairs in the interval because Moyra Fraser and Maggie had invariably collapsed with laughter and were rolling around hugging each other in these huge skirts".

The Guardian

"We were at David Fincher's house and it was when Brad and Jen were still together, so it was a long time ago, and you could have asked for my number then because it was round two, well second chance, and you still didn't ask for it, and you know that's true," the Australian actress said as Fallon collapsed with laughter and Questlove just shook his head.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm clutching the wall for support, about to collapse with laughter.

Vice

He holds out a fleshy palm; the large group at his table collapses with loud laughter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then they both collapse with laughter.

The Guardian - Music

"The years of loneliness have been murder," he tells them, and the men collapse with laughter.

The New York Times

Webb collapses with laughter as Mitchell warms to his theme: "But it's all very pretty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Seeing Saint Laurent now, it's difficult to picture him collapsing his friends with laughter -- or taunting Berge, then his lover, so mercilessly that once, according to Klossowski, Berge picked up a knife and chased Saint Laurent down a flight of stairs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapsed with laughter" to vividly portray someone's overwhelming amusement, emphasizing the physical impact of intense laughter. This phrase is suitable when you want to convey a sense of loss of control or a strong physical reaction to something funny.

Common error

While "collapsed with laughter" is effective for emphasizing extreme amusement, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of laughter with alternative phrases like "burst into laughter" or "in stitches".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapsed with laughter" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, adding vivid detail to illustrate a character's reaction. Ludwig examples show it's commonly used to depict intense amusement, conveying a sense of physical helplessness or overwhelming joy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collapsed with laughter" is a vivid way to describe someone experiencing extreme amusement. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and used to emphasize a strong physical reaction to something funny. While relatively uncommon, its use is mainly concentrated in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives like "doubled over with laughter" to diversify your writing and avoid overuse. This detailed exploration will allow you to use the phrase effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubled over with laughter

Emphasizes the physical reaction of bending over due to intense laughter.

in stitches

Indicates uncontrollable laughter, often to the point of physical discomfort.

roaring with laughter

Highlights the loud and unrestrained nature of the laughter.

burst into laughter

Focuses on the sudden and explosive beginning of laughter.

convulsed with laughter

Suggests a more intense, almost involuntary reaction of laughter.

helpless with laughter

Implies a loss of control due to the overwhelming amusement.

weak with laughter

Conveys a sense of physical exhaustion or frailty caused by excessive laughter.

laughing uncontrollably

Directly states the lack of control over the laughter.

erupted in laughter

Similar to 'burst into laughter', but can imply a more widespread reaction among a group.

dissolved into laughter

Suggests a gradual transition into a state of laughter, as if melting.

FAQs

What does "collapsed with laughter" mean?

The phrase "collapsed with laughter" means that someone is laughing so hard that they are physically weakened or lose their composure due to extreme amusement. It suggests a very strong and uncontrollable reaction to something funny.

How can I use "collapsed with laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "collapsed with laughter" to describe someone's reaction to a joke, a funny situation, or anything that causes extreme amusement. For example: "After hearing the comedian's joke, the audience "collapsed with laughter"."

What are some alternatives to "collapsed with laughter"?

Some alternatives to "collapsed with laughter" include phrases like "doubled over with laughter", "in stitches", or "roaring with laughter". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "collapsed with laughter" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives that convey amusement without such a strong emphasis on physical reaction, such as "they laughed heartily".