crack a laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

"crack a laugh" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a laughing response that someone makes. For example, "The comedian cracked a laugh from the entire audience as she shared her funny story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the people here don't crack a laugh or a beer, and no one shows any sign of Northern-ness apart from ice-blue eyes and flannel shirts.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Seriously, you don't want to be the boss who is so serious and stressed out all the time that his employees haven't heard him ever crack a joke or laugh at one.

WikiHow

I am conversationally retarded a sweaty, stuttering mess but when the planets align the right way, I can crack a joke and make her laugh.

Vice

I am conversationally retarded – a sweaty, stuttering mess – yet, when the planets align, I can crack a joke and make her laugh.

Vice

Try to hold your giggles when anyone of around you crack a joke or you can laugh later when there's no one around.

WikiHow

So when someone cracks a joke, laugh.

WikiHow

Try to laugh sometimes and crack a joke once in a while.

WikiHow

A mutual friend cracks a joke and you all laugh and laugh.

WikiHow

"I cracked a joke, and Yuvie laughed and said: 'Dad, you are so funny.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were roughly searched, the trunk was opened, and then my father cracked a joke and everybody laughed.

The New York Times - Books

He's always cracking a joke or making us laugh.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crack a laugh" to describe a situation where someone's attempt at humor is successful, even if the laughter is mild or brief. It's suitable for informal contexts.

Common error

While "crack a laugh" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "elicit a chuckle" or "get a laugh".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack a laugh" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of eliciting a laugh from someone. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable, signifying a successful attempt at humor. It describes the act of generating a laughing response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crack a laugh" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe successfully making someone laugh. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it finds its place in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using the phrase, be mindful of potential over-reliance and consider alternatives such as "elicit a chuckle" or "get a laugh" to add variety to your writing. It is more suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a laugh

Uses "get" instead of "crack", focusing on receiving laughter.

elicit a chuckle

Replaces "laugh" with a more subdued form of amusement, "chuckle".

produce a chuckle

Like "elicit a chuckle", indicates a gentle amusement.

draw a chuckle

Similar to "elicit a chuckle", indicating a gentle amusement.

evoke a laugh

Similar to provoke but with a slightly softer connotation.

spark laughter

Implies a sudden and immediate burst of laughter.

provoke laughter

Emphasizes causing the laughter, rather than the act of laughing itself.

inspire a laugh

Suggests a more creative or profound cause of laughter.

generate laughter

Focuses on the production or creation of laughter.

bring forth laughter

A more formal way of saying to cause laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "crack a laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "crack a laugh" to describe someone successfully making others laugh. For example, "The comedian managed to "crack a laugh" from the audience with his opening joke."

What does "crack a laugh" mean?

"Crack a laugh" means to successfully make someone laugh, often with a joke or witty comment. It implies that the person saying it was trying to elicit laughter and was successful.

Which is more appropriate, "crack a laugh" or "get a laugh"?

Both "crack a laugh" and "get a laugh" are acceptable, but they have slightly different nuances. "Crack a laugh" implies the speaker actively made a joke or comment, while "get a laugh" simply indicates laughter was the result, regardless of the intention.

What are some alternatives to "crack a laugh"?

Some alternatives to "crack a laugh" include "elicit a chuckle", "provoke laughter", or "draw a chuckle". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.