explosion of laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explosion of laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense outburst of laughter, often in response to something humorous. Example: "When the comedian told the punchline, there was an explosion of laughter from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There was a small explosion of laughter.

The Guardian - Books

There is an explosion of laughter.

The Guardian

"You'd really rather be sailing?" Ms. Cook demanded to an explosion of laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

There's an initial shock an explosion of laughter and delight at the flagrant breaking of taboos.

The New Yorker

." Gorsuch's invocation of one of Donald Trump's trademark utterances, apparently accidental, prompted an explosion of laughter from the audience.

The New Yorker

The driver, who arrived in an explosion of laughter and messy blond hair, was an irrepressible force of nature who went by the name of Eglantine.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Some guests appeared happy to broadcast their inner comedians, leaving the debate punctuated by otherwise random explosions of laughter.

The Economist

He has a tendency to tell even the most benign story in a near-whisper, which makes the sudden explosions of laughter more dramatic.

The New Yorker

Fraser's open face, with its protruding ears and eyes, could have been hewn from plasticine for a Nick Park animation, and his frequent explosions of laughter – often aimed at himself – are infectious.

Independent

Not that this should be misread as sugar-sweet: Hogg's throaty Glaswegian delivery and raucous explosions of laughter – not to mention a crucifix tattooed from wrist-bone to knuckles on her left hand – give the lie to that.

Independent

Onstage, Spielrein (well played by Jodhi May) is an almost psychotic bundle of tics and explosions of laughter and fury, prone to sadomasochistic anal-erotic fantasies about her violent father.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explosion of laughter" to vividly portray a sudden, boisterous, and widespread reaction of amusement in a scene. This phrase is more impactful than simply stating that someone laughed.

Common error

While descriptive, "explosion of laughter" might be too informal or dramatic for formal writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "laughter" or "amusement" in academic or professional settings unless the specific context warrants a more evocative phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explosion of laughter" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a sudden and intense outburst of amusement. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, depicting a vivid reaction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explosion of laughter" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden and intense outburst of amusement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, lending a vivid and descriptive quality to writing. While slightly informal for academic or professional settings, its impact and clarity make it a valuable tool for portraying humorous reactions. Consider using alternatives like "burst of laughter" or "roar of laughter" to fine-tune the intensity of the description. By following this guide, writers can confidently and effectively employ "explosion of laughter" to enhance their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst of laughter

Similar in meaning, but suggests a slightly less intense and shorter duration of laughter.

outburst of laughter

Emphasizes the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the laughter.

eruption of laughter

Highlights the sudden and forceful release of laughter, similar to a volcanic eruption.

peal of laughter

Suggests a ringing, bell-like quality to the laughter.

roar of laughter

Implies loud, boisterous laughter from a group.

gales of laughter

Suggests strong, sweeping waves of laughter.

shrieks of laughter

Indicates high-pitched, excited laughter.

howls of laughter

Suggests unrestrained, animalistic laughter.

fits of laughter

Emphasizes the uncontrollable and episodic nature of the laughter.

waves of laughter

Similar to "gales of laughter", but emphasizes the spreading effect.

FAQs

How can I use "explosion of laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "explosion of laughter" to describe a sudden, intense, and widespread burst of amusement. For example, "The comedian's joke was met with an "explosion of laughter" from the audience."

What are some alternatives to "explosion of laughter"?

Alternatives include "burst of laughter", "outburst of laughter", or "roar of laughter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "explosion of laughter" too informal for academic writing?

It can be. While grammatically correct, "explosion of laughter" is more descriptive and emotive. For academic writing, consider a more neutral term like "laughter" or "amusement" unless you're analyzing the specific emotional impact of the situation.

What's the difference between "explosion of laughter" and "burst of laughter"?

"Explosion of laughter" suggests a more forceful and widespread reaction, while "burst of laughter" implies a slightly less intense and possibly shorter duration of amusement. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to give to the description.