fits of giggles

USAGE SUMMARY

"fits of giggles" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sudden and uncontrollable outbreak of laughter. Example: "The children were in fits of giggles after hearing the funny story." Alternative expressions include "bursts of laughter" and "spells of laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Club Mad," she says, between fits of giggles.

Independent

Her story finally came bursting out between fits of giggles.

The New York Times

They keep dropping them and collapsing in fits of giggles.

The Guardian - Travel

Bodies piled on bodies, coordination lost in fits of giggles and yelps.

The Guardian - Travel

It doesn't take much to send them into fits of giggles.

The Guardian

Then, fully engaged, they listen, mesmerized, with intermittent fits of giggles, as we read the story together.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Its indictment of capitalism is so shrill and one-note that it may just as easily set off fits of giggling, because its characters are so ridiculously evil.

The New York Times

On TV, he appears solemn and quizzical and a bit depressive, but in person he's surprisingly jolly, given to fits of giggling and bouts of flawless mimicry.

The New Yorker

Since the Dalai Lama speaks English badly, and frequently collapses into prolonged fits of giggling, he can also give the impression that he is, as Iyer reports a journalist saying, "not the brightest bulb in the room".

The New Yorker

Get Newport Harbor High senior Cleo Harrington and junior Carlee Kapana together out of the water, and they are prone to fits of giggling.

Los Angeles Times

As we began to experience life together, starting that first day at brunch, we encountered innumerable moments of magical humor that arose from my "Shane Helper Lessons". We reveled in these moments, embracing whatever occurrence led to our fits of giggling, rather than letting awkwardness create tension in the relationship.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fits of giggles" to describe a lighthearted and often slightly silly outbreak of laughter, typically among children or in informal settings. It implies a lack of control and a sense of shared amusement.

Common error

Avoid using "fits of giggles" in formal or serious writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "laughter" or "amusement" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fits of giggles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It describes an episode or period of uncontrolled, lighthearted laughter, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Lifestyle

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fits of giggles" is a common noun phrase used to describe an episode of uncontrolled, lighthearted laughter. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for casual conversation, it should be avoided in formal writing in favor of more neutral terms like "bursts of laughter". This phrase paints a picture of amusement that borders on silliness, often associated with children or nervous reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fits of hilarity

Highlights the intense amusement and comedic nature of the situation.

bursts of laughter

Emphasizes the sudden and explosive nature of the laughter.

uncontrollable laughter

Emphasizes the inability to stop laughing.

uproarious laughter

Indicates loud, boisterous laughter.

spells of laughter

Highlights the duration or period of laughter.

gales of laughter

Uses a metaphor to compare the laughter to a strong wind, indicating its intensity.

waves of laughter

Suggests a gradual increase and decrease in the intensity of laughter.

peals of laughter

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

outbursts of mirth

Uses a more formal term, 'mirth', to describe the joyfulness expressed through laughter.

sudden laughter

Focuses on the abrupt and unexpected start of the laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "fits of giggles" in a sentence?

You can use "fits of giggles" to describe someone experiencing uncontrollable, often childish laughter. For example, "The children were sent into fits of giggles by the clown's antics."

What's a more formal alternative to "fits of giggles"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "bursts of laughter" or "moments of levity". These options convey amusement without the implication of childishness.

Is it appropriate to use "fits of giggles" in academic writing?

Generally, no. "Fits of giggles" is considered informal. In academic writing, it's better to use more neutral language like "laughter" or "amusement".

What is the difference between "fits of laughter" and "fits of giggles"?

"Fits of laughter" is a more general term and can refer to any instance of uncontrollable laughter. "Fits of giggles" specifically suggests lighthearted, somewhat silly laughter, often associated with children or nervousness.