generate laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has caused laughter or amusement, for example: The comedian's joke easily generated laughter from the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We often find ourselves laughing round the table at funny remarks and comments of his; he has always had the ability to generate laughter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Presumably, as a standup comedian, I am paid to generate laughter, which I do, almost nightly, in rooms all around the country, and simply putting the word "comedian" in inverted commas in your below-the-line comments about me will do nothing to alter that demonstrable fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

If your words can comfort, cultivate empathy, or generate laughter, you have done a beautiful thing.

Huffington Post

Instead of being used merely as a tool to generate laughter or perfect product images, graphic manipulation was now being used as a medium of storytelling and narration.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I had generated laughter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"How dare you ask that question!'' Mr. McCain shot back in a mock rage, generating laughter from the crowd.

The New York Times

The scans identified three regions of interest: one deciding that something is funny, one generating laughter and one providing the happy feelings that accompany laughter.

The New York Times - Health

Scientists suspect it occurs when the brain stem, which generates laughter and crying, loses communication with parts of the brain that control emotional expression.

The New York Times

"Eighteen years seems just about the right amount of time to me," he said, generating laughter with the obvious reference to his opponent's three-term tenure in the Senate.

The New York Times

For mild comic distraction in a movie that is skimpier than most in generating laughter, there is Minion (David Cross), Megamind's loyal assistant, who has a fishbowl head, the body of a robot gorilla and a fanged underbite.

The New York Times

Brooks, of all people, is aware of this keep-plugging-away ethos, coming from television, where he's made some of the greatest situation comedies of all time, insightful classics that generated laughter weekly.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate laughter" when you want to emphasize the act of producing or creating laughter through a specific action, joke, or situation. For example, a comedian's routine is intended to "generate laughter" from the audience.

Common error

Ensure the subject actively causes the laughter. A situation might be funny, but it doesn't "generate laughter" unless something specific triggers the reaction. Instead of saying "The situation generated laughter", specify what aspect of the situation was responsible (e.g. "His witty remark generated laughter").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate laughter" functions primarily as a verb phrase + noun. It describes the act of causing or producing laughter. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generate laughter" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the act of causing or producing laughter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase is neutrally registered and suitable for diverse writing styles. For alternatives, consider "elicit laughter" or "produce laughter". Remember to use the phrase when emphasizing the active production of laughter and avoid passive constructions for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit laughter

Focuses on drawing laughter out of someone or something.

produce laughter

A direct synonym, emphasizing the creation of laughter.

create amusement

Shifts the focus to the feeling of amusement that leads to laughter.

cause amusement

Similar to 'create amusement' but with a focus on causation.

provoke mirth

Uses a more formal term ("mirth") for amusement and joy.

induce chuckles

Specifies a softer form of laughter, such as chuckles.

stir up hilarity

Emphasizes a wilder, more boisterous form of laughter.

spark joy

Focuses on the feeling of joy that may lead to laughter.

infuse levity

Implies adding a light, humorous quality to a situation.

bring smiles

Highlights a milder expression of happiness than laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "generate laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "generate laughter" to describe something or someone that causes people to laugh. For instance, "The comedian's jokes were designed to "generate laughter"." or "His funny faces never failed to "generate laughter" at the party".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "generate laughter"?

Alternatives to "generate laughter" include "elicit laughter", "produce laughter", or "create amusement". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "generate laughter" and "cause laughter"?

While both phrases are similar, "generate laughter" often implies a more intentional or active process of producing laughter, whereas "cause laughter" can be more general. For instance, a comedian "generates laughter" through jokes, but an accidental mishap might "cause laughter".

Which is more formal, "generate laughter" or "elicit laughter"?

"Elicit laughter" tends to be slightly more formal than "generate laughter". "Elicit" suggests drawing out a response, while "generate" implies creation or production. Both are appropriate in various contexts, but "elicit laughter" may be preferred in more formal writing.