jokes aside

USAGE SUMMARY

'jokes aside' is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used to signal a shift in topic from lighthearted banter to a more serious one. For example, "Jokes aside, I'm worried about the state of the economy over the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And adding: "Jokes aside.

The Guardian - Sport

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

And jokes aside, this is becoming an everyday reality.

Independent

Jokes aside, part of the point still sticks.

The Economist

Jokes aside, I'm proud of where I grew up.

The New York Times - Sports

Jokes aside, the joy of Rev lies in the characters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Jokes aside, these are heady times for "South Park".

The New York Times

Practical jokes aside, Impruneta is famous for terracotta.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You learn in this show that, jokes aside, little is actually superfluous.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jokes aside" to clearly signal a shift from a humorous or lighthearted discussion to a more serious or important point. This helps manage the audience's expectations and ensures your message is received with the appropriate gravity.

Common error

Avoid using "jokes aside" when the preceding context hasn't established a lighthearted or humorous tone. This can make the phrase seem out of place and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jokes aside" functions as a prepositional phrase used to signal a transition in tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a shift from a lighthearted or humorous context to a more serious or important topic. This phrase prepares the audience for a change in the direction of the conversation or writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

TechCrunch

20%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Vice

5%

BBC

5%

Duke University

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jokes aside" is a versatile phrase used to signal a shift from a lighthearted to a serious tone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's frequently found in news, media, and tech contexts, making it suitable for both neutral and professional registers. When using this phrase, ensure that it appropriately follows a humorous or lighthearted segment to effectively prepare your audience for the transition to a more serious point. Alternatives like "seriously speaking" or "in all seriousness" may be used for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all kidding aside

Similar in structure and meaning, but uses "kidding" instead of "jokes".

putting levity aside

Emphasizes the conscious decision to move away from humor.

in all seriousness

Directly conveys a shift to a serious perspective.

on a serious note

Introduces a serious topic, often after lighter discussion.

seriously speaking

Emphasizes a transition to a serious topic, highlighting sincerity.

to be serious

A simple, direct way to indicate a shift to a serious tone.

more seriously

Highlights that the current point is to be considered more seriously than previous ones.

without joking

Affirms that the following statement is not intended as a joke.

but in reality

Contrasts previous statements with the actual, often more serious, truth.

getting down to business

Signals a shift to a more focused and practical discussion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "jokes aside" in a sentence?

Use "jokes aside" to transition from a lighthearted discussion to a more serious point. For example, after making a humorous remark, you could say, "Jokes aside, the underlying issue requires immediate attention."

What are some alternative ways to say "jokes aside"?

You can use alternatives like "seriously speaking", "all kidding aside", or "in all seriousness" to indicate a shift to a more serious topic.

Is it appropriate to use "jokes aside" in formal writing?

While "jokes aside" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "in all seriousness" or "on a serious note" might be more suitable.

Can "jokes aside" be used at the beginning of a conversation?

While less common, it's acceptable if you're immediately referencing a prior humorous exchange. However, starting with something like "in all seriousness" might be clearer if no prior joking occurred.