for comic relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for comic relief" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a moment in a story, film, or performance that provides humor to alleviate tension or seriousness. Example: "The intense drama of the play was balanced by a few light-hearted scenes for comic relief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

For Comic Relief?

Independent

for comic relief.

The New York Times

And this is good for Comic Relief.

The Guardian

She seems to have been cast for comic relief.

The New York Times

Most of the advice was for comic relief.

The New York Times - Sports

The brassy Dede (Dede LaBarre) is there for comic relief.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Each title was written specifically for Comic Relief.

The Guardian - Books

A white and gold version of the garment has been specially manufactured for Comic Relief.

Independent

Tonight will see a clutch of international comedy characters making a return for Comic Relief.

Independent

So, a couple of years later, he suggested doing it for Comic Relief.

The Guardian

He did his bit for Comic Relief by making Simpson look daft.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for comic relief", ensure that the humor is appropriate for the context and audience. Humor that is misplaced or insensitive can undermine the overall message and alienate viewers or readers.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "for comic relief" as a crutch to mask weaknesses in plot or character development. Ensure humor enhances, rather than distracts from, the narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for comic relief" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action or element within a narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples in Ludwig show it clarifying character roles or scene intentions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

25%

Entertainment

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for comic relief" serves as a clear indicator that something—a character, scene, or element—is intentionally included to provide humor, particularly within a serious or dramatic context. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Arts, and Entertainment settings, functioning as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. While generally neutral in register, users should ensure its appropriateness for the specific audience and avoid overuse to maintain narrative integrity. Alternatives include "to lighten the mood" or "for humorous effect", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for humorous effect

Similar in purpose but emphasizes the intentional creation of a funny result.

to lighten the mood

Emphasizes the effect of making the atmosphere less serious or tense.

as a light-hearted moment

Describes a brief instance of amusement or cheerfulness.

to provide a laugh

Highlights the intention of causing amusement or laughter.

to break the tension

Focuses on alleviating stress or awkwardness through humor.

to add humor

Focuses on the act of adding humor without specifying the purpose of relief.

to diffuse seriousness

Highlights the aim of reducing the intensity or gravity of a situation.

to inject levity

Uses a more formal term for lightness, suggesting a deliberate addition of humor.

for a bit of fun

Suggests an element of playful enjoyment.

as a joke

Indicates something said or done with the intent of being funny.

FAQs

How can I use "for comic relief" in a sentence?

You can use "for comic relief" to indicate that something is included in a serious or dramatic work to provide humor. For example: "The character was introduced "for comic relief" during the tense scene".

What are some alternatives to saying "for comic relief"?

Alternatives include "to lighten the mood", "for humorous effect", or "to add humor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "for comic relief"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted phrase used to describe the inclusion of humor in a serious context. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

When is it appropriate to use "for comic relief"?

It's appropriate when you want to explain that a character, scene, or element is intentionally included to provide humor and alleviate tension within a more serious narrative.