get a laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of eliciting laughter or amusement from someone, often through humor or a joke. Example: "His clever joke was sure to get a laugh from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get a laugh early," he said.

The New Yorker

Don't wait to get a laugh.

The New Yorker

"Hard to get a laugh".

The New York Times

They could get a laugh out of it, too.

The New York Times - Food

But, I asked, doesn't the line get a laugh?

The New York Times

Two-hour-long show, 400 ways to get a laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

Alan knows exactly how to get a laugh.

The Guardian

So it didn't get a laugh at all.

The Guardian

More likely, they're a way to get a laugh.

The New York Times

When I toweled him down, I'd get a laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was just to get a laugh, I suppose.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a laugh" when you want to emphasize the act of successfully eliciting laughter, especially in situations where humor is intended.

Common error

While "get a laugh" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing where more sophisticated vocabulary may be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "elicit laughter" or "generate amusement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a laugh" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of successfully eliciting laughter or amusement. It's often used to describe the intention or result of a humorous action, joke, or remark. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get a laugh" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of eliciting laughter or amusement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its prevalence across diverse contexts, especially within news and media. While broadly acceptable, remember to consider your audience and opt for more formal alternatives like "elicit laughter" in specific professional settings. Related phrases include "generate amusement" and "provoke mirth", offering nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit laughter

Replaces the verb "get" with "elicit", focusing on the act of bringing about laughter.

draw a chuckle

Replaces "laugh" with "chuckle", indicating a quieter or more subdued form of amusement.

generate amusement

Shifts from a specific reaction (laughter) to a broader feeling (amusement).

induce giggles

Emphasizes a lighter, more playful form of laughter, often associated with children.

produce hilarity

Uses a stronger term, "hilarity", to indicate extreme amusement or laughter.

provoke mirth

Uses a more formal and literary term, "mirth", for amusement or laughter.

create humor

Shifts the focus to the creation of humor, which can then lead to laughter.

bring a smile

Focuses on a subtler expression of amusement, a smile rather than a laugh.

spark joy

Focuses on the feeling of joy that can accompany laughter or amusement.

get a reaction

A general phrase encompassing any response, not necessarily laughter, but indicating the phrase was successful at its task.

FAQs

How can I use "get a laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "get a laugh" to describe an action or joke that successfully makes people laugh. For example, "His witty remark was sure to "get a laugh" from the audience."

What are some alternatives to "get a laugh"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "elicit laughter", "generate amusement", or "provoke mirth".

Is "get a laugh" appropriate for formal writing?

While "get a laugh" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "elicit laughter".

What's the difference between "get a laugh" and "bring a laugh"?

"Get a laugh" emphasizes the success in receiving laughter, while "bring a laugh" focuses on the act of causing laughter. They are often interchangeable, but "get a laugh" is more result-oriented.