kidding aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"kidding aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that what was just said should be taken seriously or that the speaker or writer is about to transition to a serious subject. For example: Kidding aside, we need to start thinking about our long-term goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

All kidding aside, it's a mess.

The New York Times - Sports

All kidding aside, you don't have any wrong choices.

The New York Times

All kidding aside (see below), here's Romo before the game.

The New York Times

"No, no – all kidding aside," Mr. Biden said.

The New York Times

Then, at last, the paragraph that began, "All kidding aside".

The New York Times

Okay kidding aside, that was a great, great series.

The Guardian - Sport

All kidding aside, they're a proud group of players".

The New York Times - Sports

All kidding aside, the house of the future is alive and well and under development.

The New York Times - Magazine

Smart Republicans know that, all kidding aside, this is a fraught moment for the Bush campaign.

The New York Times

Billy Gibbons is, all kidding aside, an exciting guitarist and singer.

The Guardian - Music

All kidding aside, he agreed that the decision was based more on economics than breakfast food and bonding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the preceding content has indeed been somewhat lighthearted or humorous. The phrase works best when there's a clear contrast in tone.

Common error

Avoid using "kidding aside" when the entire context is already serious or somber. It can sound flippant or insensitive if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kidding aside" functions as a discourse marker, indicating a shift from a lighthearted or humorous tone to a more serious or sincere one. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

TechCrunch

22%

Huffington Post

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kidding aside" is a versatile phrase used to signal a transition from a lighthearted or humorous tone to a more serious one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance. Primarily found in news, media, and informal contexts, it's essential to ensure its usage aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing. When a more serious tone is required, consider "seriously speaking" or "in all seriousness" as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joking aside

Direct synonym, replacing "kidding" with "joking".

all jokes aside

Focuses specifically on setting aside jokes, similar to setting aside kidding.

leaving jokes aside

Explicitly states the act of setting aside jokes.

but seriously

A more direct way to indicate a shift to a serious topic.

seriously speaking

Highlights the intention to speak seriously from this point forward.

in all seriousness

Emphasizes the sincere and earnest nature of the following statement.

on a serious note

Introduces a serious topic or aspect of a discussion.

to be serious

Indicates a transition to a more earnest and sincere tone.

enough joking

Signals the end of a joking or lighthearted period.

without joking

Highlights the absence of humor or jest in the statement.

FAQs

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

Use "kidding aside" to transition from a humorous or light-hearted remark to a more serious point. For example: "I know the project seems impossible, but "kidding aside", we need to find a solution."

What's a good alternative to "kidding aside"?

Alternatives include "seriously speaking", "in all seriousness", or "but seriously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kidding aside" appropriate for formal writing?

"Kidding aside" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "in all seriousness" or "seriously speaking" for a more professional tone.

What does "kidding aside" really mean?

"Kidding aside" means that whatever was previously said should not be taken too seriously, and the speaker is now transitioning to a more important or sincere topic. It signals a change in tone and intent.