jolly year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jolly year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a year that is cheerful, happy, or filled with joy, often in a festive context. Example: "After all the challenges we faced, I hope the coming year will be a jolly year for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

David Sedaris: The Santaland Diaries (R4) | iPlayer 15 Minute Drama: The Skool Days of Nigel Molesworth (R4) | iPlayer Reasons To Believe | selfridges.com 2014 has not been a jolly year when it comes to news.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After a jolly year presenting an afternoon show on 1Xtra, next month Cairney moves to take up the weekend breakfast slot on Radio 1, a promotion, she'll have to remind herself, as she trudges to the cellar every day.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After three jolly years with the King's Own Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI) in Germany and Kenya, where he set up a brothel for his men, he was sent home to be training officer at Shrewsbury.

The Guardian

Mr. Rich bought a Jolly 20 years ago at his wife's urging.

The New York Times

Then there's Hafez, a jolly 15-year-old we meet in a bike shop.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

From a jolly, 58-year-old Dutchman, Henk van de Meene, who made a fortune in real estate (supermarkets, shopping centers) in Holland, Belgium, Germany and the U.S. Van de Meene, who looks like a cross between Ernest Borgnine and Victor Mature, with a little Michael Caine thrown in, sees himself as an enemy of stress, a fighter against frustrations.

Forbes

- 1928 was not the jolliest of years.

The Guardian - Books

Bond wrote of her feelings at the end of her last performance: Twenty years of hard work, twenty years of fun and frolic and jolly companionship, twenty years of living in an atmosphere of tuneful nonsense, with the glare of the footlights in my eyes and the thunders of applause in my ears.

Wikipedia

Usually the grimmest of men, he makes an ex-officio effort to be jolly twice a year as chairman of the commune's "feasts and festivities" committee.

Independent

I love the days leading to Christmas in New York with the gorgeous light displays, the creative store windows, the Christmas music blaring in and out of stores, the thoughtful gifts from colleagues wrapped in reindeer- or snowmen-printed paper and the jolly end of year potluck parties.

The New York Times

Whether or not the scramble for the $20m all-female cup is a vital stage in the empowerment of women in corporate America, or just a shallow sport for showbiz speculators, it's sure to jolly up a year in which most of the big movies are either all-male World War II yarns, macho, hardware-littered political thrillers, or sequels about boys in space.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolly year" to add a touch of lightheartedness and festive cheer to your writing, especially when reflecting on past events or expressing hopes for the future.

Common error

While "jolly year" can be charming, avoid using it in formal reports or business correspondence where a more professional tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "successful year" or "positive year" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jolly year" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where the adjective "jolly" modifies the noun "year". It's used to characterize a period of time as being cheerful or pleasant, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jolly year" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a year filled with happiness and cheer. While recognized as correct by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare and leans towards a neutral to informal register, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "successful year" or "productive year". Overall, using "jolly year" can inject a dose of optimism into your writing, provided the context is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joyful year

Replaces "jolly" with "joyful", emphasizing a sense of deep happiness and delight.

merry year

Substitutes "jolly" with "merry", suggesting a year filled with cheerfulness and festivity.

happy year

Uses "happy" instead of "jolly", focusing on a general sense of contentment and well-being throughout the year.

prosperous year

Shifts the focus from happiness to success and financial well-being within the year.

successful year

Replaces the emotional tone with an emphasis on achieving goals and positive outcomes during the year.

fruitful year

Suggests a year that yields positive results and accomplishments.

pleasant year

Focuses on a year characterized by ease, comfort, and agreeable experiences.

delightful year

Emphasizes the enjoyment and pleasure experienced throughout the year.

auspicious year

Indicates a year that is favorable and promising for positive events and opportunities.

year of good fortune

Rephrases the concept to highlight luck and favorable circumstances prevailing throughout the year.

FAQs

What does "jolly year" mean?

A "jolly year" refers to a year filled with happiness, cheerfulness, and pleasant experiences. It suggests a time of joy and lightheartedness.

What can I say instead of "jolly year"?

You can use alternatives like "joyful year", "happy year", or "pleasant year" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is "jolly year" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "jolly year" is better suited for informal or lighthearted contexts. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives such as "successful year" or "productive year".

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

You might say, "Despite the challenges, we hope for a "jolly year" ahead" or "Looking back, 2024 was indeed a "jolly year" for our family".