fits of laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fits of laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression used to describe when someone is laughing uncontrollably or hysterically. You can use it when you want to convey the idea of intense laughter. Example sentence: The whole room was filled with fits of laughter when the comedian made the hilarious joke.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Often, some story I couldn't understand provoked fits of laughter.

The New York Times - Travel

They were in fits of laughter and shock.

The New York Times

We just end up in fits of laughter.

The New York Times

"We were the Ocean View Gangsters," he says quietly, sending Siggi into hysterical fits of laughter.

The New York Times - Sports

In school, she got into trouble for uncontrollable fits of laughter".

The New York Times

"Is that it?" Stephens asked in mock disappointment before the two broke into fits of laughter.

The New York Times - Sports

By now the audience, composed largely of women, was in fits of laughter.

The Guardian - Books

A few doors down, Conor O'Brien broke into fits of laughter when told the news.

The Guardian

As the final bell tolled, the group erupted in fits of laughter.

The Guardian

Sometimes we'd miss a turn and sail over a snow bank, landing on the other side in fits of laughter.

The New York Times - Travel

We desperately tried to read what it said about them, but by now we were in fits of laughter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fits of laughter" to vividly describe situations where people are laughing uncontrollably. It adds a sense of intensity and amusement to your writing.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. While "fits of laughter" generally implies positive amusement, excessive or inappropriate laughter in serious situations might be perceived negatively. Ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fits of laughter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes an instance of uncontrolled, often boisterous laughter, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fits of laughter" is a grammatically sound and common noun phrase used to describe intense, uncontrolled laughter. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and widespread presence in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of amusement and is suitable for various writing contexts, provided the tone aligns with the intended message. While alternatives exist to refine the nuance, "fits of laughter" remains a vivid and accessible expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrollable laughter

Directly describes laughter that cannot be contained.

bursts of laughter

Focuses on the sudden commencement of laughter.

outbursts of laughter

Emphasizes the uncontrolled nature of the laughter.

hysterical laughter

Suggests laughter bordering on hysteria or extreme amusement.

waves of laughter

Highlights the flowing and continuous nature of laughter.

uproarious laughter

Describes noisy and boisterous laughter.

peals of laughter

Conveys loud, ringing laughter.

gales of laughter

Suggests strong, gusty laughter, similar to a gale.

howls of laughter

Implies loud, unrestrained laughter.

roars of laughter

Indicates deep, booming laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "fits of laughter" to describe a scene where someone is laughing uncontrollably. For example: "The comedian's joke sent the audience into "fits of laughter"".

What is a good alternative to "fits of laughter"?

Alternatives to "fits of laughter" include "bursts of laughter", "gales of laughter", or "uncontrollable laughter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fits of laughter" in formal writing?

While "fits of laughter" is widely understood, in highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "uproarious laughter" or a more descriptive phrase to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "fits of laughter" and "giggles"?

"Fits of laughter" suggests a more intense, uncontrollable, and prolonged episode of laughter, whereas "giggles" implies lighter, more subdued, and often nervous or silly laughter.