have a good laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a good laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you would like someone to experience joy and amusement. For example: "After a long day, I think we could all use a good laugh - let's watch a funny movie!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have a good laugh with it.

The New York Times

We always have a good laugh.

The New York Times

They all have a good laugh.

The New Yorker

We'd always have a good laugh.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For Iranians in Iran: Have a good laugh.

The New York Times - Arts

And I have a good laugh every day.

The Guardian - Arts

There are 25 apprentices on this scheme; we have a good laugh.

Independent

"Have a good laugh at this," he says at one of the tale's most wrenching moments.

The New York Times - Books

"When we're together we have a good laugh and feel bonded to one another".

Independent

Fortunately, we were able to talk about it later and have a good laugh.

Harvard Business Review

As the customer eventually storms away from the counter, the dozen or so onlookers all have a good laugh.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using this phrase; it is generally suitable for informal and semi-formal situations.

Common error

While "have a good laugh" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing, as it can detract from the seriousness or professionalism of your tone. Opt for more formal alternatives like "find amusement" or "experience joy" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a good laugh" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, often used to express the experience of enjoyment and amusement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used expression in English. Examples show it being used to describe shared experiences and personal enjoyment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a good laugh" is a versatile phrase used to describe the experience of amusement and enjoyment. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, particularly in news, media, and informal contexts. While it may be less suitable for formal writing, it serves well in encouraging lightheartedness and shared enjoyment. Related phrases like "share a hearty laugh" or "enjoy a good chuckle" can provide alternative options depending on the desired nuance. The examples analyzed by Ludwig highlight its widespread usage and acceptability in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a hearty laugh

Emphasizes the intensity and shared nature of the laughter.

enjoy a good chuckle

Suggests a more subdued and gentle form of amusement.

find something amusing

Focuses on the source of the laughter and the act of discovering amusement.

experience joy and amusement

Highlights the emotional and mental states associated with laughing.

burst into laughter

Implies a sudden and spontaneous outburst of laughter.

crack up

An informal term suggesting uncontrollable laughter.

roar with laughter

Indicates loud and boisterous laughter.

giggle with delight

Conveys a light and playful expression of amusement.

chortle with glee

Suggests a mixture of laughter and satisfaction.

be in stitches

An idiomatic expression implying extreme amusement and laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "have a good laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "have a good laugh" to describe an enjoyable or amusing experience. For example, "After watching the comedy show, we all "had a good laugh"".

What can I say instead of "have a good laugh"?

Alternatives include "share a hearty laugh", "enjoy a good chuckle", or "find something amusing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "have a good laugh" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "have a good laugh" might be too informal for strict academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

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

"Have a good laugh" typically refers to the experience of laughing, while "get a good laugh" often refers to causing someone else to laugh or finding something funny. They are similar but emphasize different aspects of the situation.