it is funny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is funny" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express humor or amusement about something. Example: "I watched a comedy last night and it was hilarious. The jokes and the actors were so funny, it had me laughing the whole time. It is funny how something as simple as a movie can bring so much joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is funny, silly and, in its way, quite beautiful.

The Guardian - Arts

"It is funny that.

Independent

"It is funny," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"To me, it is funny.

Independent

Except that it is funny.

The Economist

Frequently, it is funny.

The New Yorker

Yes, it is funny.

The New Yorker

Well, it is funny.

The Guardian - Film

But it is funny.

The New York Times - Arts

But of course it is funny.

The New Yorker

Some of it is funny.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is funny" to introduce a lighthearted observation or to transition into a humorous anecdote. This phrase can soften potentially critical or sensitive topics, making them more approachable.

Common error

Avoid using "it is funny" excessively in academic or professional contexts where a more sophisticated or nuanced expression of amusement might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "it is ironic" or "it is a curious observation".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it is funny" is as a comment clause. It serves to express the speaker's opinion or reaction to a situation or statement. This aligns with the examples Ludwig provides, where the phrase often prefaces or concludes an observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is funny" is a versatile expression used to convey amusement, irony, or mild surprise. Grammatically sound and widely used, as affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "that is amusing" or "that's hilarious" for nuanced expression. As Ludwig demonstrates, mastering such phrases enhances communication and adds depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's amusing

Replaces "it is" with "that's", offering a more concise expression.

it's humorous

Substitutes "funny" with "humorous", introducing a slightly more formal tone.

that's a laugh

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate something is a source of amusement.

how amusing

Emphasizes the amusing nature of something, often with a hint of surprise or irony.

it's quite comical

Replaces "funny" with "comical", suggesting something is amusing in a lighthearted way.

that's hilarious

Emphasizes that something is extremely funny or amusing.

it's a joke

Indicates that something said or done is meant to be humorous.

it cracks me up

Uses a colloquial expression to convey something is highly amusing to the speaker.

that's rich

Employs sarcasm to imply something is ironically funny or absurd.

I find it amusing

Shifts the focus to the speaker's personal amusement, rather than the inherent funniness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is funny" in a sentence?

You can use "it is funny" to express amusement or irony about a situation. For instance, "it is funny how things change over time" or "it is funny that you mention that now".

What can I say instead of "it is funny"?

You can use alternatives like "that is amusing", "it is humorous", or "that is hilarious" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is funny"?

Yes, "it is funny" is grammatically correct. The structure follows the standard Subject-Verb-Adjective pattern in English, making it a straightforward and acceptable phrase.

What's the difference between "it is funny" and "that's funny"?

While both phrases express amusement, "it is funny" is slightly more formal and can be used to introduce a broader observation. "That's funny" is more colloquial and often used as a direct response to something someone said or did.