joke aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"joke aside" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to transition from a humorous comment to a more serious discussion. For example, "Joke aside, we need to figure out how to resolve this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The joke aside, the television sets were also testament to the continuing difficulties he was experiencing.

The New York Times - Magazine

But an hour later he changed tack and said: "My agent was trying to make a point here on my behalf, joke aside.

The Guardian - Sport

The trouble with this joke (aside from it's not being particularly "original" or funny) is that it just won't ring true for anyone with an ear for language.

The Guardian - Books

Mediocre joke aside, the lack of adequate infrastructure (roads, ports, telecommunications etc) has long been identified as one of the reasons why development is often slow or unsustainable.

The Guardian

Mr. Finckel's little joke aside, the Emerson players profess to be sold on the project and on the experience of working with Mr. McBurney and the actors, concentrating intensively on body language if not quite dance.

The New York Times

The occasional half-decent joke aside, the pilot episode of (the real) "Cult" is largely derivative, with a style and atmosphere reminiscent of better CW shows like "Supernatural" and "The Vampire Diaries," and a mildly interesting, at best, metaphysical-mystery component that feels borrowed from "Lost".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And adding: "Jokes aside.

The Guardian - Sport

OK, joking aside, this is important.

The New York Times

Put all the UMBC jokes aside, please.

The Washington Post

Jokes aside, his résumé is impressive.

The Guardian - Business

All jokes aside, they can really dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "joke aside" to signal a shift from a lighthearted or humorous comment to a more serious or important point in your writing or conversation. This helps maintain clarity and prevents misinterpretation of your intent.

Common error

Avoid using "joke aside" in contexts where humor is entirely inappropriate or would be perceived as insensitive. Always consider your audience and the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "joke aside" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling a shift in tone from humorous or lighthearted to serious or important. It indicates that the speaker or writer is now moving on to a more significant point, as showcased by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "joke aside" is a useful phrase for transitioning from a humorous comment to a more serious point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news and media. While versatile, remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Alternatives like "joking aside" or "in all seriousness" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Using "joke aside" effectively helps maintain clarity and ensures your message is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joking aside

This alternative is a very close synonym, directly replacing the noun "joke" with its gerund form.

all joking aside

This alternative adds emphasis with the adverb "all", suggesting a complete shift away from humor.

jokes apart

This alternative is more concise, using "apart" instead of "aside" to indicate separation from the humorous element.

humor aside

This alternative replaces "joke" with the more general term "humor", broadening the scope of the transition.

jesting aside

This alternative uses the more formal word "jesting" to refer to the act of joking.

levity aside

This alternative is more formal, using "levity" to indicate a lighthearted or frivolous manner.

putting jokes aside

This alternative adds a verbal element, emphasizing the action of deliberately setting aside jokes.

on a more serious note

This alternative is more indirect, shifting the focus to the seriousness of the subsequent point.

in all seriousness

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's sincerity and commitment to the subsequent point.

let's be serious

This alternative is more direct, explicitly calling for a shift to a serious tone.

FAQs

How can I use "joke aside" in a sentence?

You can use "joke aside" to signal a shift from a humorous comment to a more serious point, for example: "The presentation was funny, but "joke aside", the data reveals a critical problem."

What are some alternatives to "joke aside"?

Some alternatives to "joke aside" include "joking aside", "all joking aside", or "seriously speaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "joke aside" appropriate for formal writing?

While "joke aside" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "in all seriousness" or "on a more serious note" may be more suitable for highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or business reports.

What's the difference between "joke aside" and "kidding aside"?

"Joke aside" and "kidding aside" are very similar in meaning. However, "kidding aside" might imply a slightly less formal or more playful initial statement compared to "joke aside".