elaborate joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is complex, detailed, or requires significant thought to understand. Example: "The comedian's set was filled with elaborate jokes that had the audience laughing long after the punchlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An elaborate joke?

The New York Times

The setup line for an elaborate joke?

The New York Times - Arts

An elaborate joke told in Portuguese, without translation.

The New York Times

Or, if it is, it is a very elaborate joke.

The Guardian - Music

"Appaloosa" turns the inarticulateness of the Western hero into an elaborate joke.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it's all just an elaborate joke to make fun of the European Year of Volunteering.

The Guardian

American political scientist Ian Bremmer hoped it might all be an elaborate joke.

The Guardian

Maybe it was an elaborate joke, or an attempt to test the boundaries of free speech.

The New Yorker

The speed of all this, and the whimsical touches, seems part of an elaborate joke, but Aronofsky is not joking.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Propped against the walls are canvases on an equally gigantic scale across which elaborate jokes have been painted.

The Guardian - Arts

Relatives would make elaborate jokes of nudging grass at me, a premature spinster at a salty 16, my mustache and hairy legs fluorescent emblems of forever-virginhood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "elaborate joke", ensure the context reflects a joke that is not just funny but also intricately planned or executed. This can add depth and complexity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate joke" simply to mean a 'long joke'. The phrase implies complexity and detail, not necessarily length. An /s/long+joke could lack the intricate planning associated with an "elaborate joke".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate joke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "elaborate" modifies the noun "joke". It describes a joke characterized by its complexity and detailed nature. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elaborate joke" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a joke that is complex and detailed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "complex joke" or "intricate joke" exist, "elaborate joke" specifically emphasizes the detailed planning or execution of the joke. Remember to use it when the joke's complexity is a key aspect, rather than just its length. Ludwig's analysis shows that understanding the nuance of this phrase can greatly enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex practical joke

Replaces "elaborate joke" with "complex practical joke" to emphasize the combination of complexity and real-life trickery.

complex jest

Replaces "joke" with "jest" and "elaborate" with "complex", indicating a sophisticated sense of humor.

highly developed joke

Replaces "elaborate" with "highly developed" and "joke", implying a joke that is has been finely crafted.

intricate prank

Substitutes "joke" with "prank" and "elaborate" with "intricate", suggesting a detailed and mischievous act.

sophisticated hoax

Replaces "joke" with "hoax" and "elaborate" with "sophisticated", implying a deceptive and cunning scheme.

involved gag

Substitutes "elaborate" with "involved" and "joke" with "gag", suggesting a complicated and amusing trick.

detailed spoof

Replaces "elaborate" with "detailed" and "joke" with "spoof", indicating a thorough and satirical imitation.

overwrought jest

Replaces "elaborate" with "overwrought" and "joke" with "jest", suggesting an excessively complicated joke.

convoluted gag

Substitutes "elaborate" with "convoluted" and "joke" with "gag", implying a confusing and intricate humorous act.

grandiose prank

Replaces "elaborate" with "grandiose" and "joke" with "prank", suggesting a large-scale and flamboyant trick.

FAQs

How can I use "elaborate joke" in a sentence?

You can use "elaborate joke" to describe a joke that is complex, detailed, or requires significant thought to understand. For example, "The plot twist was revealed as an elaborate joke pulled off by the protagonist".

What's a simpler way to say "elaborate joke"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "complex joke", "intricate joke", or "sophisticated joke".

Is "elaborate joke" grammatically correct?

Yes, "elaborate joke" is grammatically correct. "Elaborate" is an adjective modifying the noun "joke". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

What's the difference between an "elaborate joke" and a "practical joke"?

An "elaborate joke" implies complexity and detail in the joke's construction or narrative. A "practical joke", on the other hand, is a trick or prank played on someone, often involving physical actions or real-life scenarios.