laughed at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laughed at" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate that someone has made fun of or ridiculed someone else. For example: When he stumbled over his words, everyone in the room laughed at him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They laughed at us".

The New Yorker

"We're being laughed at".

The New York Times

Brown laughed at that.

Independent

You'll be laughed at.

The New York Times - Magazine

"People laughed at us.

The New York Times

She laughed at herself.

The New Yorker

I was laughed at".

The New Yorker

They laughed at democracy".

The New Yorker

John laughed at himself.

The New Yorker

Nova laughed at first.

The New York Times - Sports

I laughed at him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "laughed at", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the laughing and who or what is being laughed at to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of 'The proposal was laughed at', specify 'The committee laughed at the proposal'.

Common error

Avoid using "laughed at" passively without specifying the subject doing the laughing. This can lead to confusion or imply unintentional humor. Always clarify who performed the action of laughing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laughed at" functions as a phrasal verb where 'laughed' is the verb, and 'at' is the preposition. It indicates an action of ridicule or mockery directed towards someone or something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "laughed at" is a phrasal verb denoting ridicule or mockery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, be mindful of clarity, ensuring the subject and target are explicit. While alternatives like "mocked" or "ridiculed" exist, "laughed at" maintains a versatile neutrality suitable for various contexts. Be aware that while the phrase is common, clarity in its use is vital to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mocked

Implies a more deliberate and scornful form of ridicule than "laughed at".

ridiculed

Similar to 'mocked' but often suggests a more public or widespread derision.

made fun of

A more general and informal way to express teasing or ridicule.

scoffed at

Suggests disbelief or contemptuous rejection rather than simple amusement.

derided

A formal term for expressing contempt or ridicule.

sneered at

Implies a disdainful or contemptuous expression of amusement.

jeered at

Suggests a loud and aggressive form of mockery, often in a public setting.

poked fun at

Indicates gentle or playful teasing, often without malicious intent.

treated with contempt

Highlights the feeling of disrespect and disdain more than the act of laughing.

disregarded with amusement

Focuses on the dismissal of something due to perceived ridiculousness.

FAQs

How can I use "laughed at" in a sentence?

You can use "laughed at" to describe someone or something being ridiculed or made fun of. For example, "His unconventional ideas were "laughed at" by his colleagues."

What's a more formal alternative to "laughed at"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "mocked", "ridiculed", or "derided" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to be "laughed at"?

While often negative, being "laughed at" can sometimes be a sign that you are challenging norms or pushing boundaries. The context determines whether it is a sign of derision or a response to something novel or unexpected.

What's the difference between ""laughed at"" and "laughed with"?

"Laughed at" implies ridicule or derision, where the laughter is directed negatively towards someone or something. "Laughed with", on the other hand, suggests shared amusement and camaraderie, where the laughter is a positive and inclusive experience.