laughing at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laughing at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a reaction to something humorous. For example: Everyone was laughing at the funny story the teacher told.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"OPEC is laughing at us".

The New York Times

"They were laughing at me.

The New York Times

She's laughing at me.

The Guardian - Music

China is laughing at us.

The Washington Post

Mexico is laughing at us.

The Washington Post

ISIS is laughing at us.

The Washington Post

They were laughing at him.

The New York Times - Magazine

By now McNamee was laughing at himself.

The New York Times - Sports

No. No. I'm laughing at him.

The New York Times

He was also laughing at me.

The New York Times

People aren't exactly laughing at Don.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laughing at" when you want to express amusement, ridicule, or scorn directed toward a person, idea, or situation. For example, "They were laughing at his outdated clothes".

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being ridiculed. Ambiguity can unintentionally offend or confuse your audience. State explicitly the target of the laughter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laughing at" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as the main verb of a sentence, often expressing an action of ridicule or amusement directed towards a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "laughing at" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of finding something humorous, often with a tone of ridicule or mockery. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to convey amusement or scorn directed toward a person, idea, or situation. When using "laughing at", it's crucial to ensure clarity to avoid unintentional offense. Alternatives such as "making fun of" or "ridiculing" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. This phrase is quite frequent with the authoritative sources, making it useful in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making fun of

Focuses on the act of teasing or ridiculing in a playful or malicious way.

ridiculing

Emphasizes the act of making someone or something appear foolish or absurd.

mocking

Highlights a more scornful and contemptuous form of laughter or imitation.

scoffing at

Suggests a dismissive and contemptuous expression of disbelief or disapproval.

deriding

Implies a strong sense of contempt and belittlement.

jeering at

Involves shouting or taunting someone in a rude and disrespectful manner.

sneering at

Conveys a sense of superiority and disdain through a facial expression or tone of voice.

chuckles at

Suggests a quiet, suppressed laugh, often at someone else's expense.

guffawing at

Implies a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter, often at something perceived as ridiculous.

taking delight in

Focuses on the pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune or foolishness.

FAQs

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

Use "laughing at" to indicate that someone is finding humor, often derisive, in something. For instance, "The audience was "laughing at" the comedian's jokes" or "Don't be "laughing at" others' mistakes; learn from them".

What are some alternatives to "laughing at"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "making fun of", "ridiculing", or "mocking" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever appropriate to use "laughing at" in formal writing?

While "laughing at" is grammatically correct, it often carries a tone of derision or mockery. In formal writing, consider whether a more neutral phrase like "finding humorous" or "amused by" might be more appropriate, depending on the intended meaning and audience.

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

"Laughing with" implies shared amusement and camaraderie, while "laughing at" suggests ridicule or mockery directed toward someone or something. The preposition makes a significant difference in the intent and impact of the phrase.