funny as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "funny as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge the humor in a situation or statement, often before making a contrasting point or observation. Example: "Funny as it is, we still need to take this issue seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fans of the franchise, which began as a television series (from 2000 to 2002) and spawned two earlier features ("Jackass the Movie" in 2002 and "Jackass Number Two" in 2006), counter that it is comic anarchy at its freest, as cathartically funny as it is monumentally stupid.

The New York Times

It's as funny as it is soothing.

The New York Times - Sports

And as funny as it is, it is equally unsettling.

The New York Times

As smart and funny as it is deeply compassionate (1 45).

The New York Times

Click here to view video Gee, Officer Krupke is as funny as it is socially astute.

The Guardian

Sistrionix, meanwhile, by Deap Vally, is as smart and funny as it is lurid and forthright.

The Guardian - Music

It's as funny as it is profound, confronting as it is consoling.

The Guardian - Books

It helps, of course, that the film is as funny as it is self-referential.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

As funny as it was heartbreaking.

The Guardian

It was as funny as it was unsettling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a delivery as funny as it was subtle – it even made the Star Wars prequels watchable.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider rephrasing the phrase to "although it is funny" or "while it might be amusing" to directly indicate a concession.

Common error

Avoid using "funny as it is" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by incorporating other transitional phrases or rephrasing your sentences to achieve a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "funny as it is" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It acknowledges a humorous aspect before introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement. This usage is validated by Ludwig, confirming its correct grammatical structure and practical usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Books

10%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Wiki

1%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "funny as it is" serves as a versatile concessive conjunction phrase, primarily used to transition from a humorous observation to a more serious or contrasting point. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While adaptable across various registers, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both professional and informal settings. Remember to use it judiciously to prevent repetitiveness and consider alternatives like "humorous though it may be" or "as amusing as it seems" for a more varied writing style. The phrase's consistent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humorous though it may be

This alternative employs a more formal tone by using "humorous" instead of "funny" and inverting the clause structure.

as amusing as it seems

This phrase replaces "funny" with "amusing" and uses "seems" to convey a sense of appearance versus reality.

lighthearted as it may appear

Similar to "as amusing as it seems", this emphasizes the contrast between appearance and reality.

for all its humor

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the presence of humor while setting up a contrast.

despite the laughter

This option directly refers to laughter, highlighting the humorous element before introducing a different perspective.

while it's all fun and games

This idiom suggests that despite the humor, there's a serious side to consider, implying a potential shift in tone.

humor aside

A more direct and succinct way to set aside the humorous aspect of the situation.

joking aside

This phrase is a direct signal to move from a humorous tone to a more serious one.

though it may tickle your funny bone

This option uses a more figurative expression, referring to the physical response to humor.

on a lighter note

This phrase signals a transition to a less serious topic but can still acknowledge prior humor.

FAQs

How can I use "funny as it is" in a sentence?

You can use "funny as it is" to acknowledge the humor in a situation before introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement. For example, "Funny as it is, we still need to address the underlying problem."

What are some alternatives to "funny as it is"?

Alternatives include "humorous though it may be", "as amusing as it seems", or "while it's all fun and games", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "funny as it is"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "funny as it is" can make your writing sound repetitive. It's best to use it sparingly and vary your transitional phrases for a more engaging style.

What's the difference between "funny as it is" and "although it's funny"?

Both phrases serve a similar function, but "funny as it is" can sometimes sound more idiomatic or conversational, while "although it's funny" is more direct and explicit in its concession.