cry with laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"cry with laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express that something is so funny that it made someone laugh so hard that they nearly cried. For example: "I couldn't help but cry with laughter when I saw the video of the cat chasing the mouse around the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

We all cry with laughter.

The Guardian

That actually made me cry with laughter".

The Guardian

One said, "Your website made me cry with laughter.

The New York Times

"He makes me cry with laughter," she said.

The New York Times

He could argue you into a trembling corner while simultaneously making you cry with laughter.

The Guardian - Music

He always made me cry with laughter – now he's just made me cry".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It uses the language of Twitter -- the crying-with-laughter and skull emoji can often speak louder than words -- and the restrictions of the length of each entry to build suspense and heighten the "Oh shit" quotient.

Huffington Post

Crying with laughter.

The New York Times

I was crying with laughter.

The New York Times - Books

As Shanthi cries with laughter, Romesh continues.

The Guardian

I was crying with laughter before the film even started.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry with laughter" to emphasize the intensity of amusement, suggesting that something is so funny it evokes a physical and emotional response akin to crying.

Common error

Avoid using "cry with laughter" when describing mild amusement. It's best reserved for situations that evoke extremely strong laughter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry with laughter" functions as an idiomatic expression describing a state of extreme amusement. It conveys that something is so funny it causes a physical reaction akin to crying, highlighting the intensity of the laughter. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cry with laughter" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe intense amusement. Ludwig AI confirms it as a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively conveys a humorous experience that evokes a physical and emotional response similar to crying. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where the humor is truly exceptional. While alternatives like "weep with laughter" or "howl with laughter" exist, "cry with laughter" remains a strong and vivid expression of mirth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weep with laughter

Shares the same core meaning but uses "weep" instead of "cry", suggesting a slightly more intense emotional response.

howl with laughter

Emphasizes a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter, implying strong amusement.

roar with laughter

Similar to "howl with laughter", but suggesting a deeper, more resonant sound of laughter.

shout with laughter

Focuses more on the audible expression of laughter rather than the emotional overflow.

crack up

A more casual phrase describing sudden and intense laughter.

be in stitches

An idiomatic expression suggesting uncontrollable laughter, often to the point of physical discomfort.

burst out laughing

Indicates a sudden, spontaneous expression of laughter, lacking the emotional overflow implied by "cry".

laugh one's head off

An informal idiom indicating excessive laughter, implying a loss of control.

chuckle uncontrollably

Describes laughter that is difficult to restrain, though not necessarily intense enough to cause tears.

giggle uncontrollably

Suggests a more childlike, nervous laughter that's hard to stop, diverging slightly from the core meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "cry with laughter" to describe a situation that is extremely funny. For example, "The comedian's jokes were so hilarious that the audience began to "cry with laughter"".

What's a good alternative for "cry with laughter"?

Alternatives include "weep with laughter", "howl with laughter", or "be in stitches". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cry with laughter" an overused phrase?

While "cry with laughter" is a common expression, its effectiveness depends on context. If the situation genuinely evokes intense amusement, it's appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact; consider alternatives like "roar with laughter" for variety.

What's the difference between "cry with laughter" and "laugh out loud"?

"Laugh out loud" (LOL) simply indicates audible laughter. "Cry with laughter" suggests a more profound and physical reaction to humor, implying tears and intense amusement.