funny

USAGE SUMMARY

"funny" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something humorous or amusing. For example, "My roommates always tell me funny stories about their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a funny old game.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's very funny because the whole spot is about censorship," Ms. Harris said.

The New York Times

Is it funny?

The Guardian

"She was funny.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is traditional to complain that comedy is overlooked in awards ceremonies — and I have done my own share of whingeing on this account — so it's great to see properly funny films rewarded in this way.

The Guardian - Film

A ba-boom - but worse things happen in the world.' He thinks the key to the success of modern cracker jokes is precisely because they're not funny.

The Guardian

Given the diversity around your average dinner table, it would be extraordinarily difficult to come up with a joke that everyone found funny.

The Guardian

Just as I underestimated the sheer hard work involved in writing funny election columns, Cameron clearly thought being prime minister would be a lark, a breeze, and a wizard wheeze, something to chalk up on his business-class bucket list, along with getting a selfie with Helle Thorning-Schmidt and sucking the bass player from Blur's luxury cheese direct from the goat's teat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now we know why Cain thinks the idea of electrocuting illegal aliens is funny.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was an crucial part of any tour, organised, funny, highly hospitable and with an innate ability to get on famously with anyone, anywhere.

The Guardian

It's an absorbing, often funny, and beautifully written evocation of the landscape that is so much a part of Rebanks's life and who he is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "funny" to describe something amusing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Synonyms like "humorous", "amusing", or "hilarious" can offer greater precision.

Common error

While "funny" is perfectly acceptable in most situations, avoid it in highly formal writing where a more sophisticated term like "humorous" or "witty" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "funny" primarily functions to describe something that causes amusement or laughter. However, it also denotes something strange or unusual. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "funny" is a very common adjective with two primary meanings: amusing/humorous and strange/unusual. Ludwig AI validates that the word is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While its versatility makes it widely applicable, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts. In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "humorous" or "peculiar" for greater precision. Remember to consider the specific connotation and context when choosing the most appropriate word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humorous

A more formal synonym for "funny", often used in writing.

amusing

Similar to "funny", but often implies a lighter, more gentle form of humor.

comical

Describes something that provokes laughter, often through absurdity.

hilarious

Suggests extreme amusement and laughter.

droll

Humor that is dry and understated.

witty

Clever and subtly humorous.

laughable

Describes something so ridiculous it deserves laughter.

peculiar

When "funny" is used to mean strange or odd, "peculiar" offers a direct synonym.

odd

Another synonym for "funny" when it means strange, but is more commonplace.

strange

Like "odd" and "peculiar", used when "funny" implies something unusual.

FAQs

How can I use "funny" in a sentence?

You can use "funny" to describe something amusing, as in "That movie was really funny". Alternatively, it can describe something strange, like "That smells funny".

What can I say instead of "funny" when I mean amusing?

You can use alternatives like "humorous", "amusing", or "comical" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "funny" and "peculiar"?

"Funny" can mean both amusing and strange, while "peculiar" usually only refers to something odd or unusual. If you intend to convey amusement, "peculiar" isn't appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "funny"?

"Funny" is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. However, in formal or professional writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "humorous" or "witty".