get funny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get funny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to suggest that someone should start being humorous or to indicate that something is becoming amusing. Example: "I love how you always know how to get funny when the mood is tense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"How does it get funny?" he said.

The New York Times

Now, headmasters do get funny ideas.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's starting to get funny," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think people might get funny ideas about Iceland".

The New York Times

But soon it actually began to get funny, sometimes very.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When does it get funny?" my wife says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Might some funny bits actually get funnier in translation?

The New York Times - Books

It will get funnier as you get older.

The New York Times - Magazine

Running jokes only get funnier or less funny.

The New York Times

The jokes get funnier, too, partly because they're out of the blue.

The Guardian

Some comedies never get funnier, no matter how much you will them to.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get funny" to describe a situation or person starting to exhibit humorous qualities. It is appropriate in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "get funny" in formal contexts where a more sophisticated or nuanced expression of humor is required. For example, in academic writing, opt for terms like 'develops comedic elements' or 'transitions into satire'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get funny" primarily functions as a predicate adjective construction, where "get" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "funny". As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe a transformation towards humor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

11%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Sports

2%

TV & Radio

8%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get funny" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the transition towards humor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally acceptable, and widely employed across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it leans towards informality, making it less suitable for academic or highly professional environments. Alternative phrases such as "become humorous" or "start being amusing" offer more formal substitutes. When using "get funny", bear in mind the context and audience to ensure appropriate register and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get humorous

A slightly more formal synonym for "get funny".

get amusing

Similar to 'get humorous' but slightly less formal.

become humorous

This alternative offers a more formal way to express the idea of something starting to be funny.

start being amusing

This phrase is a more descriptive way to express the beginning of an amusing situation.

turn comical

This suggests a transformation into a state of comedy, often implying a change in tone or situation.

lighten up

This phrase encourages someone to become less serious and more cheerful or humorous.

develop humor

Refers to the process of humor emerging or becoming more apparent.

cheer up

Similar to lighten up, cheer up suggests to become more cheerful which could involve being funny.

evolve into humor

This suggests a gradual change towards a humorous situation or element.

grow amusing

Implies a gradual increase in funniness over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "get funny" to describe a situation or a person. For example: "The movie started slow, but it began to get funny after the first hour", or "He usually doesn't "lighten up" until after his second coffee, so don't expect him to get funny too early".

What is a more formal alternative to "get funny"?

Alternatives to "get funny" for more formal contexts include "become humorous", "develop comedic elements", or "transition into satire" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, instead of saying "The play started to get funny", you might say, "The play developed comedic elements in the second act".

Is it grammatically correct to say "get funny"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Get" functions as a linking verb in this context, connecting the subject to the adjective "funny". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

What does it mean when someone says, "Don't get funny with me"?

The phrase "Don't get funny with me" is a warning, meaning 'Don't be disrespectful or cheeky with me'. It's a confrontational idiom, not about humor in general.