humor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the quality of being amusing or entertaining, often in the context of jokes or comedic situations. Example: "Her sense of humor always lightens the mood during our meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The way I figure it, the one terrorist in England with a sense of humor, a man known as Khalid the Droll, had said to the cell, 'I bet I can get them all to take off their shoes in airports.' So this prankster set up poor impressionable Reid and won his bet.

The Economist

But every time violence is so funny and it's nothing, it's usual, there's a danger, because the humor makes it consumable.

The Guardian - Film

We will continue to champion a more participatory form of entertainment and we don't believe that humour is just a male-dominated category and our data clearly shows that both men and women like humor.

The Guardian

In the back page cartoon of the Catalan daily paper Sport – humor gráfico, they call it, which is usually half right – declared that Alves had given Barcelona half the title while "Penaldo" had given them the other half.

The Guardian - Sport

And it's not without a sense of humor, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

The record medal count proved them right, while the humor of the closing ceremony's "unopened ring" demonstrated self-confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The stereotypes it employs don't represent us – but we would also never want non-Latinos to know that those offensive stereotypes are humor in which any of us should continue to traffic.

The Guardian - Opinion

He did so with patience and good humor, straight through the cups of roasted tea he suggested after a dessert of soy milk panna cotta, along with a litchi and sake sorbet with honey powder.

The New York Times - Food

The charitable view says he thinks he was attempting humor; but he wasn't joking about the regressive values.

The Guardian - Opinion

"[Gaines] leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and critical accomplishment, kindness and humor," AP president and CEO Gary Pruitt told employees in an email, the AP reported.

The Guardian

It's the dry sense of humor".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of something being funny, ensure your sentence clearly conveys whether you're referring to the overall quality or a particular joke.

Common error

While "humor" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider using more precise terms like "wit", "irony", or "satire" depending on the specific type of humor being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The word "humor" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality of being amusing or comic. Ludwig shows various examples, indicating it's also used to describe a specific instance intended to provoke laughter or amusement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humor" is a versatile noun used to describe the quality of being funny or amusing. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, appearing in diverse contexts such as news, scientific articles, and everyday conversations. While generally neutral in register, more precise terms might be preferred in highly formal settings. Understanding its nuances allows for effective and contextually appropriate use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of humor

Adds the dimension of personal capacity for experiencing and expressing humour.

a good laugh

Refers to an experience of enjoying something funny.

comic relief

Highlights the function of humor in alleviating tension or stress.

a funny bone

A metaphorical way to express the ability to perceive something as funny.

mirth

Emphasizes the joyous and cheerful aspect of humor.

hilarity

Refers to extreme amusement or loud laughter.

wit

Focuses on the clever and intellectual aspect of humor.

jocularity

Highlights the playful and cheerful quality of humor.

amusement

Focuses on the enjoyment and entertainment derived from humor.

comedy

Refers to a specific genre of entertainment intended to induce humor.

FAQs

How is "humor" typically used in a sentence?

"Humor" can be used to describe the quality of being funny or amusing, as in, "Her sense of "humor" always lightens the mood." It can also refer to a specific instance of something being funny.

What words can I use instead of "humor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "wit", "comedy", "amusement", or "mirth" to convey a similar meaning to "humor".

What is the difference between "humor" and "comedy"?

"Humor" is a general term for the quality of being amusing or funny. "Comedy", on the other hand, is a specific genre of entertainment intended to make people laugh.

Is it correct to use "humor" in formal writing?

Yes, "humor" is acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure that the context warrants its use and consider if more precise terms like "irony" or "satire" might be more appropriate.