it seriously funny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seriously funny" is not correct in standard English.
You might be trying to convey a sense of humor that is both serious and funny, but the construction is awkward. Example: "The comedian's routine was so unexpected that it was seriously funny, leaving the audience in stitches."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Which is why Jennifer Aniston is kinda sorta making it seriously funny.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But as a reflection on all of us "struggling to make a perfect little world to fit our life into" it's a seriously funny and remarkably sustained slice of absurdist whimsy on which both Barbra lovers and haters will be sold.

The New York Times

It's an exemplary, seriously funny duet between a man and a piece of furniture.

The New York Times

It would all be just too far out if it weren't for the seriously funny business of the "rude mechanicals".

The Guardian

It is a "serious" work: seriously funny, seriously sharp, seriously sick, and, to borrow Andrew Motion's construction, seriously serious.

The Guardian - Books

When Harvey Fierstein has something seriously funny to say, he sets it up by tuning his voice low.

The New Yorker

By David Denby When Harvey Fierstein has something seriously funny to say, he sets it up by tuning his voice low.

The New Yorker

As the promotional materials for Four Lions will express to anyone willing to take a gander, the film is seriously funny - and eager to prove it.

Huffington Post

opens on a seriously funny note with a song called "What Are the Odds?" It traces the history of the world, from the splitting of that first amino acid to the rise and fall of the dinosaurs, up to this very minute, when "a cosmic force 'bout the size of Peru/starts pulling you toward us and us toward you".

The New York Times

More than anyone else, the comedian can claim to be the voice of a generation literally, it's his voice behind the titular cartoon protagonists on the widely adored and seriously funny Archer and Bob's Burgers, not to mention Coach McGuirk from the cult TV Movies and Ben from Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.

Vice

More than anyone else, the comedian can claim to be the voice of a generation literally, it's his voice behind the titular cartoon protagonists on the widely adored and seriously funny Archer and Bob's Burgers, not to mention Coach McGuirk from the cult Home Movies and Ben from Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase “it seriously funny” in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "it's seriously humorous" or "it's humorously serious".

Common error

The phrase "it seriously funny" incorrectly uses the adverb 'seriously' to modify the adjective 'funny'. Remember that adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Use a more appropriate construction or rephrase the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “it seriously funny” functions as a descriptive statement. Ludwig AI suggests that the construction is awkward and does not follow standard English grammar. While some sources use the expression, it's not considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “it seriously funny” is grammatically incorrect according to standard English rules. Ludwig AI highlights that the construction is awkward. Although it appears in some informal contexts, particularly in News & Media, it's recommended to use grammatically correct alternatives like "it's seriously humorous" or rephrase the sentence for clarity and correctness. For formal writing, avoid this phrase and opt for more standard constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's seriously humorous

Replaces 'funny' with 'humorous', maintaining the adverb 'seriously' modifying the adjective.

it's humorously serious

Inverts the structure, using 'humorously' as an adverb to modify the adjective 'serious'.

it's deeply funny

Emphasizes the humor by using 'deeply' instead of 'seriously'.

it's profoundly funny

Similar to 'deeply funny', but suggests a more intellectual or insightful humor.

it's surprisingly funny

Highlights the unexpected nature of the humor.

it's unexpectedly hilarious

Combines the unexpected element with a stronger term for humor, 'hilarious'.

the humor is quite serious

Shifts the focus to the humor itself, describing it as 'quite serious'.

it's funny in a serious way

Clarifies that the humor exists within a context of seriousness.

it's comical, yet serious

Uses 'comical' as a synonym for funny and contrasts it with 'serious'.

it's an unexpectedly serious comedy

Describes something as a comedy that is unexpectedly serious.

FAQs

What's grammatically wrong with "it seriously funny"?

The phrase "it seriously funny" incorrectly uses the adverb 'seriously' to directly modify the adjective 'funny' without a proper linking verb or structure. Adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but in this case, the structure is awkward. It's better to say something like "it's seriously funny" or "it's humorously serious".

How can I use "it seriously funny" correctly in a sentence?

While grammatically questionable, some sources do use the phrase "it seriously funny" informally. However, it's generally better to use a grammatically correct alternative. For example, "it's seriously humorous" or rephrase the sentence to something like "it's comical yet serious".

What can I say instead of "it seriously funny" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "it's humorously serious" or "it's surprisingly funny". These phrases provide a more grammatically correct and polished feel while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "it seriously funny" ever acceptable in writing?

While not strictly correct, "it seriously funny" might be acceptable in informal contexts or dialogue where a character's speech reflects unconventional grammar. However, in formal writing, it's advisable to use grammatically sound alternatives such as "it's seriously humorous" or "the humor is quite serious".