comic interlude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comic interlude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a humorous or light-hearted segment within a larger work, such as a play, film, or literary piece. Example: "The play featured a comic interlude that provided much-needed laughter amidst the serious themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He went on: "The ostensibly comic interlude that we witnessed yesterday … didn't make us laugh.

The Guardian

A comic interlude explores their fruitless attempts to have a child.

The New York Times

That carnivalesque decade, he says, was merely "a comic interlude in a century that needed one".

The Guardian - Books

Even a small comic interlude (the porter scene, essentially, absent the porter) reveals the thrilling acrobatic abilities of the performers.

The New York Times

In all-night performances, the pesinden usually banter with the puppeteer during the comic interlude around midnight; the audience also may request particular musical pieces at that time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kyōgen, brief farce or comic interlude played during a Japanese Noh (lyric drama) cycle, expressed in the vernacular of the second half of the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

More comic interludes -- but not comic banter, no more comic banter, please -- would be welcome.

The New York Times - Arts

Sir James's every moment onscreen makes for a giddy series of comic interludes.

The New Yorker

The brief comic interludes in "… como el musguito …" are immediately recognizable as Bauschian.

The New Yorker

The comic interludes — like the broad pantomime of a performer with a box as a head — lack spark.

The New York Times

Although not fully successful in that regard, the film is often brilliantly imagined and full of harrowing heroism, comic interludes, and sometimes haunting imagery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comic interlude" to signal a temporary shift in tone, offering a brief moment of levity within a more serious or dramatic work.

Common error

Avoid using "comic interlude" to describe the main comedic thrust of a work. It's best suited for describing a short break from the primary narrative or theme, not the central focus of the entire piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comic interlude" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to identify a specific segment or scene that offers humorous relief within a larger work. These instances often serve to lighten the mood or provide a break from more serious or intense content.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

17%

Books

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

3%

Sport

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comic interlude" refers to a short, humorous segment that temporarily interrupts a more serious or dramatic context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's often employed in news articles, encyclopedias, and book reviews to describe a specific comedic element within a larger work. While suitable for various contexts, it should be used to denote a brief diversion, not the primary comedic focus. Alternatives include "humorous digression" or "comedic aside". The term's frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggest its widespread acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humorous digression

Emphasizes a departure from the main subject matter for comedic effect.

comedic aside

Highlights a brief, humorous comment or remark, often directed to the audience.

light-hearted diversion

Focuses on the pleasant and amusing nature of the interruption.

amusing break

Simple and direct, indicating a pause for amusement.

witty interjection

Implies a clever and humorous remark that interrupts the flow.

funny episode

Highlights the episodic nature of the humorous event.

humorous moment

Focuses on a specific instance of humor.

light moment

A more general term for a brief period of lightness and humor.

comedic moment

Highlights a moment of comedy within the larger work.

humorous relief

Emphasizes the lessening of tension through humor.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "comic interlude" in a sentence?

Use "comic interlude" to denote a brief, humorous section within a larger, often more serious work. For example: "The play featured a "comic interlude" that provided much-needed laughter amidst the serious themes."

What are some alternatives to "comic interlude"?

You can use alternatives like "humorous digression", "comedic aside", or "light-hearted diversion" depending on the specific context.

Is "comic interlude" formal or informal?

"Comic interlude" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in discussions of arts and entertainment.

What distinguishes "comic interlude" from general comedy?

"Comic interlude" specifically refers to a brief, often contrasting, moment of humor within a larger work that is not primarily comedic. It's a temporary deviation, unlike a fully comedic piece.