laughing fit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laughing fit" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sudden and uncontrollable episode of laughter. Example: "During the meeting, he had a laughing fit that lasted several minutes." Alternative expressions include "fit of laughter" and "burst of laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He said it gave him his "biggest laughing fit since first seeing Oliver Hardy".

The Guardian

"It's … it's terrible!" he stage-whispered (it wasn't that bad) and resumed his laughing fit.

The Guardian - Arts

And somewhere, far away, William Forster is laughing fit to bust.

The Guardian

Heads were throbbing, and SoHo shoppers seemed dementedly giddy, like kids trying to stifle a laughing fit at a funeral.

The New York Times

"Today he was just struggling and needed to put his mind somewhere else," Day said of his mate's laughing fit.

Independent

Then she sprang into the saddle and was off, horse and girl both laughing fit to bust.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It wasn't all laughing fits and childhood regressions.

The New York Times - Style

"My stomach hurts because we laugh so much," Barbara said between laughing fits.

The New York Times - Magazine

Contemporaries described him as crazy, prone to laughing fits and crying jags.

The New York Times - Arts

At the screening, in between laughing fits, people around me whispered, in awed tones, "B movie, 1956".

The New Yorker

This time, I'm sorry to say, the cuteness felt much more problematic, and the juxtaposition of the dancers' antics (laughing fits, exaggerated grimaces) against stark political and emotional realities more heavy-handed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laughing fit" to describe a sudden, uncontrollable episode of laughter. Consider the context to choose a more vivid synonym if the intensity or nature of the laughter needs to be emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "laughing fit" to describe polite amusement or mild chuckling. This phrase is best reserved for instances of uncontrollable, often boisterous laughter.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "laughing fit" is that of a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject of a verb. Ludwig AI indicates this is a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laughing fit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe an intense, uncontrollable bout of laughter. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, the phrase is best suited for scenarios involving boisterous or unrestrained laughter, and writers should be mindful of the intensity implied by the phrase. Related alternatives include "fit of laughter" and "burst of laughter", offering subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively employ "laughing fit" to enhance their descriptions and narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fit of laughter

Replaces the adjective "laughing" with the more general noun "laughter", slightly altering the focus.

burst of laughter

Uses "burst" to emphasize the sudden and explosive nature of the laughter.

bout of laughter

Emphasizes the temporary and episodic nature of the laughter.

attack of the giggles

Suggests a more lighthearted and uncontrollable form of laughter.

uncontrollable laughter

Focuses on the lack of control over the laughter, rather than its specific nature.

spasm of laughter

Implies a more intense and convulsive form of laughter.

uproarious laughter

Highlights the loud and boisterous quality of the laughter.

howling with laughter

Uses a vivid image to describe the intensity of the laughter.

sidesplitting laughter

Implies that the laughter is so intense it's physically painful.

roar of laughter

Uses "roar" to convey a loud, continuous, and often shared laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "laughing fit" to describe a sudden and uncontrollable episode of laughter, as in, "During the serious meeting, he suddenly had a "laughing fit" that disrupted the proceedings."

What can I say instead of "laughing fit"?

You can use alternatives like "fit of laughter", "burst of laughter", or "bout of laughter" depending on the context.

Is "laughing fit" a formal or informal expression?

"Laughing fit" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "outburst of laughter".

What causes a "laughing fit"?

A "laughing fit" can be triggered by various stimuli, including humor, nervousness, or even hysteria. It's often characterized by a temporary loss of control.