comical

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "comical" is correct and can be used in written English.
In a sentence, you can use it to describe something that is amusing, funny, or ridiculous. For example, "The clown's slapstick antics were comical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Asked to elaborate, he said: "We found them to be quite comical on account of how they were dressed and the excessive jewellery they were wearing".

The Guardian

There are comical collisions between new technology and old problems.

The Guardian

Her pieces varied in mood from lacerating and shocking to playful, comical and celebratory, but for most of her career she grappled with that brutally simple, tortuously difficult question: in the face of so much cruelty and suffering in the world, what are an artist's ethical and political responsibilities?

The Guardian - Arts

The defense and goalkeeper Luis Robles have been stellar, matching the team record for shutouts in a season, even though their momentary lapses have been comical.

The Guardian - Sport

This sounds slightly comical – a bunch of do-gooders holding up animal signs – but that's because we've come to see acts of caring as comical in themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, this might be because I haven't quite got my head around the idea that my comical ball of energy is going to become a little girl, let alone a teenager.

The Guardian - Opinion

He entered No 10 wearing the straw boater of jaunty comical arrogance; he recently tried the itchy woollen hat of humble public servitude; and now he wanders between micro-managed photo-opportunities – a milk-guzzling lamb, a paint-smeared child – without any hat at all, bareheaded in the storms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Diouf got his second with a viciously swerving shot from the edge of the area, which Mignolet could not lay a glove on, while the third followed a comical back header from Can which found only Jon Walters.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a technological advance Dunphy would use to comical effect some years later, pausing the action during a highlights package featuring Wimbledon to draw a large circle around John Hartson's ample buttocks and declare "that is not the arse of a £7m player".

The Guardian - Sport

Plus, as a Spurs fan, I'd find it absolutely comical if Szczesny missed most of the tournament in his home country due to his own stupidity".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Many of the presenters found their presentations if not ruined, then at least rendered quasi-comical, by the fact that they could not get an internet connection.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comical" to describe situations or characters that are intentionally or unintentionally funny, ensuring the context aligns with the intended humorous effect.

Common error

Avoid using "comical" when describing situations that are tragic or deeply serious, as it can undermine the gravity of the situation and appear insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The word "comical" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as amusing, funny, or ridiculous. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples of "comical" modifying various nouns in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comical" is a versatile adjective used to describe something amusing, funny, or ridiculous. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While "comical" is generally safe to use, it's crucial to consider the context and avoid it in situations that require a serious or somber tone. Alternatives like "humorous", "funny", and "amusing" can offer more precise nuances. Remember to leverage the abundant examples provided by Ludwig to understand its usage and avoid common pitfalls. By understanding its function and application, you can effectively use the word "comical" to add humor and levity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humorous

Refers more broadly to something that provokes laughter or amusement.

funny

A more informal and general term for causing amusement or laughter.

amusing

Implies mild entertainment and enjoyment.

witty

Suggests cleverness and intellectual humor.

droll

Describes humor that is dry, understated, and often ironic.

ludicrous

Implies absurdity and ridiculousness that is often humorous.

farcical

Suggests exaggerated and improbable situations that are funny.

risible

Describes something that provokes or deserves laughter.

hilarious

Indicates extreme amusement and laughter.

laughable

Suggests something is so absurd or ridiculous that it deserves to be laughed at.

FAQs

How can I use "comical" in a sentence?

You can use "comical" to describe something that is amusing, funny, or ridiculous. For example, "The clown's slapstick antics were comical."

What words are similar to "comical"?

Alternatives to "comical" include "humorous", "funny", "amusing", and "witty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "comical" in formal writing?

While "comical" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In very formal or academic writing, more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "humorous" or "droll" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "comical" and "laughable"?

"Comical" generally implies something is intentionally funny or amusing, while "laughable" often suggests something is so ridiculous or absurd that it deserves to be ridiculed.