in a joking context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a joking context" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or statements that are meant to be humorous or lighthearted rather than serious. Example: "When he said he could run a marathon in under two hours, it was clearly in a joking context."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even when Williams shared news of his addiction struggles, it was often in a joking context.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are breast jokes, genital jokes, a long oral sex joke, an alcoholic-sorority-girl-defecating-in-a-closet joke.

Los Angeles Times

In a joke shop.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

... Before throwing in a joke.

HuffPost

They wake in their creaky bed, as if thawed from cryogenic storage, and immediately begin telling jokes in a 2018 context.

The Washington Post

On the other level, a scientist would be able to appreciate some humour and scientific references in a broader context to the jokes, although most ideas are taken to an extreme and completely made-up.

Vice

He's doing it to make a point about how seemingly offensive jokes are harmless in a comedic context but also, he hints, because the "clean comic" label has lost some appeal in a post-Cosby world.

The Guardian

"Courts don't like to deal with things that are jokes or pranks in a criminal context".

Vice

It would be unfair to accuse the Carry On team of remaking the same film 30-odd times and of continually recycling the same jokes in a slightly different context – hospital one year, the French Revolution another, up the Khyber one moment, down Cleopatra's cleavage the next.

Independent

It was a joke but, in context, was rather close to the bone.

The Economist

If you get in there and edit and take a joke out of context, it's ruined.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "in a joking context" to indicate the speaker's tone or intention, preventing confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in a joking context" when the humor is obvious. Overuse can undermine the comedic effect or imply the audience is unable to understand the humor on its own.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a joking context" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the circumstances under which something is said or done humorously. It serves to clarify the intended tone or manner of communication. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "in a joking context" serves to clarify the intent behind a statement or action, ensuring it's understood as humorous rather than serious. While grammatically sound and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is relatively uncommon. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources. While generally neutral in register, more informal alternatives might be preferred in casual settings. Remember that overuse can diminish its effect. When precision is needed to avoid misinterpretation, this is the right phrase to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a lighthearted manner

Focuses on the manner of delivery rather than the context itself.

as a jest

Implies a playful or frivolous intention behind the statement or action.

for comedic effect

Highlights the intended result of humor.

in jest

A more concise and formal way of saying something was not meant seriously.

humorously

Describes the manner of communication as funny or amusing.

facetiously

Suggests a sarcastic or inappropriately humorous approach.

tongue-in-cheek

Emphasizes the ironic or insincere nature of the remark.

playfully

Indicates a light and unserious approach.

for laughs

Directly indicates that the intent was to elicit laughter.

as a prank

Implies a mischievous or playful trick.

FAQs

How can I use "in a joking context" in a sentence?

You can use "in a joking context" to clarify that a statement should be understood as humorous rather than serious. For example: "His comment about quitting his job was made "in a joking context", so don't worry."

What are some alternatives to "in a joking context"?

Some alternatives include "in jest", "humorously", or "facetiously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify that something is "in a joking context"?

No, it's not always necessary. If the humor is obvious, specifying it may be redundant. Use it when there's a risk of misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "in a joking context" and "sarcastically"?

"In a joking context" indicates a general humorous intent. "Sarcastically" implies a sharp, often ironic, way of speaking intended to mock or convey contempt. You can replace "in a joking context" with sarcastically only if the speaker is using sarcasm.