having a ball

USAGE SUMMARY

"having a ball" is a phrase that is used in spoken and written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is having a great time and enjoying themselves. For example, "I'm having a ball at the party!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm having a ball.

The New York Times

Cindy was having a ball.

The New Yorker

They're all having a ball.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm having a ball," she said.

The New York Times

Still, he is clearly having a ball.

The New Yorker

Having a ball..

The Guardian

Ms. Abramovic was having a ball.

The New York Times

"He's having a ball".

The New York Times

We're having a ball".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm having a ball, man.

The Guardian

6 min: Msakni's having a ball here.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, "having a ball" adds a touch of colloquial authenticity, making characters sound more natural and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "having a ball" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "thoroughly enjoying" or "finding it highly rewarding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Having a ball functions as an idiomatic expression, specifically a verbal phrase, indicating a state of great enjoyment or pleasure. Ludwig provides examples from various sources demonstrating its use in describing positive experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "having a ball" is a common idiom used to describe a state of great enjoyment and pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and informal register. Primarily found in News & Media, its usage indicates enthusiastic fun. While widely accepted, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "thoroughly enjoying it" or "having the time of one's life" in more professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the time of one's life

This alternative emphasizes that the current experience is exceptionally enjoyable and memorable.

thoroughly enjoying it

This alternative is a straightforward way to express great enjoyment, suitable for various contexts.

having a whale of a time

This alternative is another idiom that conveys having a lot of fun but is slightly more old-fashioned.

on cloud nine

This alternative idiom expresses a feeling of extreme happiness and elation.

enjoying oneself immensely

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the high degree of enjoyment.

in seventh heaven

This alternative idiom signifies being in a state of perfect happiness and bliss.

reveling in the moment

This alternative suggests a deep and enthusiastic enjoyment of the current experience.

walking on air

This alternative suggests a feeling of lightness and happiness, as if floating.

living it up

This alternative implies indulging in pleasurable activities and enjoying a luxurious or exciting lifestyle.

tickled pink

This alternative is an idiom that expresses great amusement and delight.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "having a ball"?

Saying someone is "having a ball" means they are greatly enjoying themselves and having a lot of fun. It's an idiomatic expression used to describe a pleasurable experience.

Is "having a ball" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "having a ball" is generally considered an informal expression. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "thoroughly enjoying it" or "reveling in the moment".

What are some other ways to say someone is "having a ball"?

Besides "having a ball", you can use phrases like "having a whale of a time", "on cloud nine", or "enjoying oneself immensely" to express similar enjoyment.

How can I use "having a ball" in a sentence?

You can use "having a ball" in sentences like, "I'm having a ball at the party!" or "The kids are having a ball playing in the snow."