cracked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cracked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is laughing or finding something very funny. Example: "When he told the joke, everyone in the room cracked up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We both cracked up.

The New York Times

On "Cut!," everyone cracked up.

The New Yorker

He cracked up Carson.

The New Yorker

I just cracked up.

The New York Times - Sports

They'd cracked up.

The New Yorker

The crowd cracked up.

The New York Times

He's cracked up Leno.

The New Yorker

They all cracked up.

The New York Times - Style

Then he and Marta both cracked up.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And he cracked up laughing.

The New York Times - Sports

The class cracked up and resumed studying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cracked up" to describe a spontaneous and often audible expression of amusement, particularly when someone finds something unexpectedly funny.

Common error

Avoid using "cracked up" in formal writing where a more professional tone is needed. Opt for phrases like "found it amusing" or "laughed" to maintain formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cracked up" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating an action performed by the subject. It is often used to describe a spontaneous reaction to something humorous, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "cracked up" is a common and acceptable way to describe someone bursting into laughter, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of amusement or loss of composure due to humor. While grammatically sound, its informal to neutral register makes it less suitable for formal writing. Consider alternatives like "burst out laughing" or "laughed heartily" in professional settings. Remember, using "cracked up" effectively hinges on context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst out laughing

Emphasizes the sudden and explosive nature of laughter.

broke down laughing

Highlights the sudden and uncontrollable aspect of laughter.

fell about laughing

Highlights the physical reaction of laughter, implying great amusement.

collapsed with laughter

Suggests a complete physical surrender to laughter, implying intense amusement.

dissolved into laughter

Suggests a gradual and complete surrender to laughter.

roared with laughter

Indicates loud and unrestrained laughter.

howled with laughter

Similar to 'roared', but with a slightly wilder connotation.

split their sides

An idiom suggesting extreme amusement, as if one's sides are splitting from laughter.

were in stitches

An idiom indicating uncontrollable laughter.

lost it

Implies a loss of composure, often due to finding something extremely funny.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "cracked up"?

When someone "cracked up", it means they suddenly "burst out laughing" or found something extremely funny.

How can I use "cracked up" in a sentence?

You can use "cracked up" to describe someone's reaction to something humorous. For example, "The audience "cracked up" when the comedian told the joke."

What's a more formal way to say someone "cracked up"?

In formal contexts, you could say someone "laughed heartily" or "found something particularly "amusing"" instead of "cracked up".

Is "cracked up" the same as "cracked"?

No, "cracked up" refers to laughing or losing composure due to amusement, while "cracked" can mean broken or, in slang, unstable. They have different meanings and usage.