hysterical laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"hysterical laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a loud, intense, and uncontrolled outburst of laughter. For example: The clown's outrageous jokes provoked hysterical laughter from the crowd.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Hysterical laughter).

Independent

More hysterical laughter.

Independent

He reduces his family to hysterical laughter.

The Guardian - Books

Then Elida snorted, and we burst into hysterical laughter.

The New Yorker

Slamming doors, hysterical laughter and curses filled the night.

The New York Times - Arts

She looked me in the eye and then broke into hysterical laughter and clapped her hands.

The New Yorker

What more, besides a good deal of hysterical laughter, could one require of a novel?

The Guardian - Books

The sound of the falls bubbled over his light voice like hysterical laughter.

The Guardian - Books

In addition to hysterical laughter, symptoms included pain, fainting, respiratory problems, rashes, attacks of crying and random screaming.

Independent

So here's the real issue, they said, between bouts of hysterical laughter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then bursted out into semi-hysterical laughter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hysterical laughter" to vividly describe situations where amusement is intense and possibly bordering on loss of control. This phrase works best when portraying strong emotions or comedic scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "hysterical laughter" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of laughter by using synonyms or focusing on specific characteristics, such as the sound, the physical reaction, or the emotional context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hysterical laughter" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'hysterical' modifies the noun 'laughter'. It describes a specific type of laughter characterized by its intensity and lack of control. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hysterical laughter" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that vividly describes intense, uncontrolled amusement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to emphasize the extreme nature of laughter in various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, its usage is most prevalent in news and media, as well as literature. To avoid redundancy in writing, consider employing synonyms such as "uncontrollable laughter" or "uproarious laughter" to enrich your descriptions. Ensure that the phrase aligns with the intended tone, as it may not always be appropriate for highly formal or scientific contexts. It is important to know the difference between nervous laughter and this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrollable laughter

Focuses on the lack of control over the laughter, emphasizing its intensity.

unrestrained laughter

Highlights the absence of limits or restrictions on the laughter.

manic laughter

Suggests a wild, possibly disturbed, state of amusement.

delirious laughter

Implies laughter resulting from a state of excitement or confusion.

fits of laughter

Indicates sudden, intense bouts of laughter.

peals of laughter

Emphasizes the ringing, bell-like quality of the laughter.

uproarious laughter

Highlights the loud and boisterous nature of the laughter.

convulsions of laughter

Conveys the physical, shaking effect of extreme amusement.

sidesplitting laughter

Suggests laughter that is extremely funny and causes physical discomfort.

unhinged laughter

Implies laughter that is slightly deranged or unbalanced.

FAQs

How can I use "hysterical laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "hysterical laughter" to describe a situation where someone is laughing uncontrollably, often due to extreme amusement or nervousness. For example, "The comedian's jokes sent the audience into "hysterical laughter"".

What are some alternatives to "hysterical laughter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "uncontrollable laughter", "uproarious laughter", or "fits of laughter".

Is "hysterical laughter" appropriate for formal writing?

While "hysterical laughter" is widely understood, it may be perceived as informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral term like "intense laughter" or describing the laughter in more detail to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "hysterical laughter" and "nervous laughter"?

"Hysterical laughter" generally implies extreme amusement or a loss of control, while "nervous laughter" suggests that the laughter is a reaction to anxiety or stress. The context and underlying emotion differ significantly.