doubled over with laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubled over with laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a person who is laughing uncontrollably. Example: The children were doubled over with laughter when their teacher told the joke.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

To a woman who was waiting for the flight, he spoke loudly, in a mock-Sardinian dialect — "Zaganauu uzzauu tu porceddu!" — until the woman doubled over with laughter.

The New Yorker

I don't remember the last time I actually doubled over with laughter, pounding my fist on my thigh for good measure as the lines and laughs built and built.

Huffington Post

Bruce is doubled over with laughter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His partner was doubled over with laughter.

The New York Times

"When it came out, we were doubled over with laughter.

The New York Times - Science

Watching me be ejected so ignominiously greatly amused Clinton, who doubled over with laughter.

University of Pennsylvania

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Nate Silver would double over with laughter at the methodology.

The New York Times

My first fumbling attempt, years ago, caused my cabdriver to double over with laughter.

The New York Times - Food

Any engineer would double over with laughter.

Forbes

You'll forget what you accomplished, what made you double over with laughter, and what mistakes threatened to derail everything -- only to teach you so much you'll eventually attribute much of your happiness to them.

Huffington Post

After one burst of speed that finished with a syncopated twist, Anoushka Shankar, accompanying her father, doubled over with delighted laughter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubled over with laughter" to vividly describe someone's reaction to something extremely funny. It paints a picture of physical amusement.

Common error

Avoid using "doubled over with laughter" for mild amusement. It suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable reaction. Use gentler terms for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubled over with laughter" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically depicting a physical manifestation of intense amusement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in written English to vividly illustrate a strong emotional response. The examples showcase its usage across different contexts to emphasize the intensity of laughter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

HuffPost

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

The Guardian

6%

Wikipedia

2%

Vice

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doubled over with laughter" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a physical reaction to intense amusement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a vivid image of someone reacting to something incredibly funny. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this expression offers a more emphatic and descriptive way to say someone laughed heartily. However, it's important to consider the intensity of the situation and avoid using it for mild amusement. Alternatives such as "laughing hysterically" or "in stitches" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bent over with laughter

Focuses on the physical posture assumed while laughing intensely.

in fits of laughter

This phrase suggests laughter that comes in bursts or episodes.

laughing hysterically

This phrase emphasizes the uncontrolled and emotional nature of the laughter.

convulsed with laughter

This phrase highlights the physical impact of the laughter, suggesting a shaking or spasming motion.

in stitches

This phrase implies uncontrollable laughter, often to the point of physical discomfort.

howling with laughter

This alternative evokes an image of loud, unrestrained laughter.

helpless with laughter

This suggests that laughter is so overwhelming that it renders someone unable to control their actions.

rolling on the floor laughing

This phrase provides a more visual and exaggerated depiction of extreme amusement.

bursting with laughter

Implies a sudden and intense expression of amusement.

guffawing

Uses a verb to describe a loud and boisterous type of laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "doubled over with laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "doubled over with laughter" to describe someone reacting to something very funny. For example, "The comedian's joke had the audience "doubled over with laughter"."

What are some alternatives to "doubled over with laughter"?

Some alternatives include "in stitches", "laughing hysterically", or "rolling on the floor laughing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "doubled over with laughter" in formal writing?

While "doubled over with laughter" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or creative writing. Formal contexts may benefit from less figurative language.

What does it mean to be "doubled over"?

To be "doubled over" means to bend your body sharply at the waist, often due to intense emotion like pain or, in this case, extreme laughter. It signifies a strong physical response.