evoke laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'evoke laughter' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a humorous or lighthearted situation. For example: The comedian's ridiculous observations about modern life evoked laughter from the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He studied clowns and mimes, the better to evoke laughter from movement instead of speech.

The New York Times - Sports

The use of laughter to evoke laughter is familiar to viewers of television sitcoms.

The Guardian - Books

Decades later, we learned that the naked sound of laughter itself can evoke laughter – that you don't need a joke.

The Guardian - Books

The ensemble also shows off the uses of gibberish and mime to evoke laughter from the audience, which is eventually drawn into the entertainment through instruction in rhythmic clapping that teaches while it evokes smiles and laughter.

The New York Times

Some types of humor evoke laughter and other types of humor raise eyebrows.

Huffington Post

I didn't realize that this is a profound gift in itself because every comedian aspires to have that capacity to evoke laughter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Their cage helmets evoked laughter.

The New York Times - Sports

"Marry an elected official," he said, evoking laughter.

The New York Times

"Don't overdo it," Judge Huvelle warned, evoking laughter in the courtroom.

The New York Times

It is the kind of show that evokes laughter born more of empathy than of ecstasy.

The New York Times

Paquito d'Rivera, playing clarinet and alto saxophone, evoked laughter and blues connections from its restless mobility.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "elicit" or "generate" to diversify your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid vague references to what "evokes laughter". Be specific about the element or situation that is causing the laughter to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evoke laughter" functions as a verb phrase where 'evoke' is a transitive verb requiring an object (laughter). It describes the action of causing or bringing about a feeling of amusement and mirth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in written English and indicates lightheartedness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evoke laughter" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to describe the act of causing or creating laughter. As Ludwig AI states, it is appropriate in written English and indicates a lighthearted or humorous situation. While its usage is considered uncommon, it appears across diverse source types, with a notable presence in news and media. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly indicate the source of the laughter to maintain clarity and impact. Alternative phrases, such as "elicit laughter" or "generate laughter", can be employed to add variety to writing. Always focus on providing enough context when referring to actions that "evoke laughter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit laughter

Focuses on drawing out laughter as a response.

generate laughter

Emphasizes the creation or production of laughter.

provoke laughter

Suggests a more intentional or forceful way of causing laughter.

spark laughter

Implies a sudden or quick burst of laughter.

trigger laughter

Indicates a specific event or stimulus that initiates laughter.

incite laughter

Suggests a deliberate attempt to cause laughter, potentially in a group.

raise laughter

Highlights bringing about laughter or making it audible.

inspire laughter

Focuses on inspiring a feeling of joy that results in laughter.

cause laughter

A straightforward way of saying something makes people laugh.

stimulate laughter

Emphasizes the act of encouraging or prompting laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "evoke laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "evoke laughter" to describe something that causes people to laugh. For example, "The comedian's jokes "evoked laughter" from the audience", or "The movie's slapstick humor "evoked laughter" throughout the theater".

What phrases are similar to "evoke laughter"?

Similar phrases include "elicit laughter", "generate laughter", "provoke laughter", and "spark laughter". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "arouse laughter" instead of "evoke laughter"?

While "arouse" can mean to evoke or awaken a feeling, it's less commonly used with "laughter". "Evoke laughter" is more conventional and widely accepted, making it a safer choice.

What's the difference between "evoke laughter" and "cause laughter"?

"Evoke laughter" often implies a more subtle or indirect cause, suggesting that something brings about laughter as a response or reaction. "Cause laughter" is more direct and simply states that something makes people laugh.