inject some levity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inject some levity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest adding humor or light-heartedness to a serious situation or conversation. Example: "During the tense meeting, she decided to inject some levity by sharing a funny story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

So, in that spirit, here are three ways to inject some levity into your workplace.

Harvard Business Review

Even programs that seek to inject some levity into our rancorous political theater run on the same noxious fuel.

The New York Times - Magazine

He never seemed to add anything of substance to the debates, but he did inject some levity, with his embarrassing mistakes and his constant striving for the lowest common denominator.

The New Yorker

Despite the seriousness of purpose on Apollo 14, the two moonwalkers were able to inject some levity into proceedings as Mitchell conducted a javelin throw with a shovel and Shepard practised his golf swing on the lunar surface.

The Guardian

"I looked around, and I started seeing the fanatics getting into it [yoga] and I thought, 'Something isn't right here.'" He decided to inject some levity into what he perceived as a community that takes itself too seriously.

Los Angeles Times

The governor and his staff tried to inject some levity into the otherwise staid budget presentation by invoking the legendary Aesop's fable of the ant and the grasshopper, the story that depicts the perils of not planning for the potential problems of the future.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Trope, a well-known divorce lawyer who represented Tiger Woods's ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, injected some levity into a dreary day with his conversational approach.

The New York Times - Sports

Greeted by a standing ovation, Mrs. Bush injected some levity into the proceedings recalling how on more than one occasion she passed by the exercise room in the White House and heard Mr. Jones's "White Lightning" playing while her husband was working out on the treadmill.

The New York Times - Arts

It meant the commissioners had to go back and redo their earlier work, but at least this change injected some levity into the process.

Forbes

One person defended the doctors described in the essay who, in his view, were merely trying to defuse high-pressure situations by injecting some levity into the operating room.

Los Angeles Times

"And (Elton) is mine". Standing at the podium in a flashy silver lame suit, John injected some levity into the proceedings by declaring that he was the evening's "official gay recipient". One of the first rock stars to acknowledge being gay, John credited the late Ryan White with helping him regain his values and self-respect in the early '90s after years of drug abuse and other personal problems.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inject some levity" when you want to suggest introducing a light, humorous, or less serious tone into a situation or conversation, especially when things are tense or formal.

Common error

Avoid using "inject some levity" in contexts where humor is inappropriate or could be perceived as disrespectful, such as when discussing tragedies or sensitive personal matters. Consider the audience and situation carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inject some levity" functions as a verb phrase, where "inject" acts as a transitive verb taking "levity" as its object. It describes the action of introducing a lighter or more humorous element into a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inject some levity" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression used to describe the act of introducing humor or lightness into a situation, often to alleviate tension or provide a different perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it's not exceedingly common, appearing in a variety of reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, it finds frequent use in news, media and formal business contexts. It's important to consider the appropriateness of the context before using it, avoiding situations where humor might be insensitive. Alternatives such as "add a touch of humor" or "lighten the atmosphere" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Infuse with lightheartedness

Stresses the act of filling something with a carefree and joyful spirit.

Add a touch of humor

Focuses on adding humor specifically, rather than a general sense of lightness.

Lighten the atmosphere

Emphasizes making the overall environment less serious or tense.

Insert some amusement

Focuses on placing something funny into the situation.

Introduce a bit of fun

Highlights the element of enjoyment and amusement.

Break the tension with humor

Specifically targets reducing tension through the use of comedic relief.

Add a spark of joy

Suggests bringing a sense of happiness and delight into the situation.

Bring a cheerful note

Implies adding a positive and uplifting element.

Add a playful element

Highlights the addition of a whimsical or mischievous component.

Liven things up

A more general way of saying to make something more exciting or animated.

FAQs

How can I use "inject some levity" in a sentence?

You can use "inject some levity" to describe adding humor or light-heartedness to a situation. For example, "During the tense meeting, she decided to inject some levity by sharing a funny story."

What are some alternatives to "inject some levity"?

You can use alternatives like "add a touch of humor", "lighten the atmosphere", or "introduce a bit of fun" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "inject some levity" in formal writing?

Yes, "inject some levity" can be appropriate in formal writing when used to describe adding a light or humorous touch to a serious topic. However, ensure that the levity is appropriate for the audience and subject matter.

What is the difference between "inject some levity" and "add humor"?

"Inject some levity" implies a broader approach of introducing lightness and a less serious mood, while "add humor" focuses specifically on introducing comedic elements.