jolly time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jolly time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fun or enjoyable experience, often in a lighthearted or cheerful context. Example: "We had a jolly time at the picnic, laughing and playing games with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Books

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

To me it looks like he's having a jolly time.

The Guardian - Film

We had a jolly time talking about art.

The Guardian - Arts

Adams agrees that once the story got out they had a jolly time.

The New Yorker

Plato presents both men as having a jolly time together in the "Symposium".

The Economist

Gardoni supplies funds to an adventuress, who has a jolly time gambling.Mr.

The New York Times

Lots and lots of very English people having a very jolly time indeed.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But Mr Jefferis reckons that the really jolly times may be over.Botswana has long been held up as one of Africa's stablest, most prosperous and best-governed democracies.

The Economist

Virgin Atlantic (0844 2092770, virgin-atlantic.com) flies Gatwick-Havana from £613 including tax Thanksgiving marks the start of the festive season in New York – the jolliest time of year when the city is bedecked in Christmas lights, but also the busiest when flights and accommodation are at their most expensive.

The Guardian - Travel

Finding ourselves at the jolliest time of the year -- the season where all the talk is about Oscar nominations and best performances -- it really is devilishly delightful to remember that not all movies were created equal.

HuffPost

We had a jolly good time I tell you!

Princeton University

A jolly super time would have been had by all.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolly time" to convey a sense of lighthearted fun and amusement. This phrase works well when describing social gatherings, celebrations, or any event intended for enjoyment.

Common error

While "jolly time" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "enjoyable experience" or "positive event" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jolly time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb to describe an enjoyable experience. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is appropriate for written English. The phrase is used to express that someone had an enjoyable or fun experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Books

12%

Travel

6%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "jolly time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a fun and enjoyable experience. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is appropriate for use in written English. While its register leans towards informal, it appears across a variety of sources, including News & Media, Books and Travel. To maintain formality in professional writing, it's advisable to consider alternatives such as "pleasant experience" or "enjoyable event". Remember to reserve the use of "jolly time" to convey a sense of lighthearted fun, especially when describing social gatherings or celebrations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good time

A simpler and more common way of saying someone enjoyed themselves.

great time

A more general and widely applicable expression for enjoyment.

fantastic time

Similar to 'great time' but implies a higher degree of enjoyment.

wonderful experience

Highlights the overwhelmingly positive nature of the experience.

fun-filled activity

Stresses the active and entertaining aspects of the experience.

pleasant experience

Emphasizes the agreeable nature of the event rather than the excitement.

delightful moment

Focuses on a specific instance of happiness and charm.

enjoyable occasion

Highlights the event-like quality and the pleasure derived from it.

memorable experience

Highlights the likelihood of the experience being remembered fondly.

happy memory

Shifts the focus to the recollection of a positive past event.

FAQs

How can I use "jolly time" in a sentence?

You can use "jolly time" to describe an event or activity that is fun and enjoyable. For example, "We had a "jolly time" at the party", or "The children had a "jolly time" playing in the park".

What's a less informal alternative to "jolly time"?

If you're looking for a less informal alternative, consider using phrases such as "pleasant experience", "enjoyable occasion", or "delightful moment", depending on the specific context.

Is "jolly good time" similar to "jolly time"?

Yes, "jolly good time" is a similar expression to "jolly time", both conveying a sense of enjoyment and fun. "Jolly good time" might be perceived as slightly more emphatic or traditional.

Can "jolly time" be used in formal writing?

While "jolly time" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suitable for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, it's better to opt for more neutral phrases like "positive experience" or "enjoyable event".