leaps for joy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaps for joy" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to indicate that someone is celebrating in a very happy way. Example: When they heard the news, the couple leapt for joy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

My inner Russian leaps for joy when, during the kiss-and-cry, I hear "Privet, Mamachka!

The New Yorker

Calls for study registration tend not to encourage leaps for joy.

The Guardian

Whether Leyva has performed spectacularly or spectacularly badly, Alvarez always leaps for joy and spins around, then sprints backward while pumping his fist.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Joy is leaping – for joy.

The Guardian - Film

No wonder Dernbach leapt for joy.

The Guardian - Sport

Dave Miller all but leaped for joy.

The New Yorker

"Do they leap for joy at these deals?

The Guardian

The simplest thing can unlock a door, make the heart of an artist leap for joy.

Independent

This morning, though, they're the only ones leaping for joy.

The Guardian - Film

After the ball landed out, Williams leaped for joy several times, and then shook hands with Azarenka.

The New York Times

RD: Yeah, It's not like you don't leap for joy when you come home and see them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leaps for joy" to vividly portray a strong, physical reaction to extremely positive news or events. It is suitable when the happiness is so intense that it manifests in energetic movement.

Common error

While "leaps for joy" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound out of place in very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "was extremely pleased" or "expressed great satisfaction" for a more appropriate tone in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaps for joy" functions as a vivid descriptive element in a sentence. It depicts a physical manifestation of extreme happiness, going beyond merely feeling joyful to express it through energetic movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly valid in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leaps for joy" is a grammatically sound and vivid way to express extreme happiness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears less frequently than alternatives like "jump for joy", its usage is consistent across news and media sources. It is most appropriate for portraying energetic reactions to positive news, and while generally neutral in tone, overuse in highly formal contexts should be avoided. When selecting a phrase to illustrate intense happiness, "leaps for joy" offers a compelling and visually descriptive option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jump for joy

Uses a different verb ("jump") to describe a similar physical expression of happiness.

be overjoyed

Focuses on the internal feeling of extreme happiness rather than the outward action.

be ecstatic

Highlights the intense feeling of pleasure and excitement.

rejoice greatly

Emphasizes the feeling of joy in a more formal or religious context.

exult with happiness

Uses a more formal verb ("exult") to describe expressing joy.

be thrilled to bits

An idiom expressing extreme excitement and happiness.

be in seventh heaven

An idiom indicating a state of perfect happiness.

walk on air

Describes a feeling of lightness and elation due to happiness.

be on cloud nine

An idiom referring to a state of blissful happiness.

celebrate wildly

Emphasizes the celebratory aspect of the reaction, using "celebrate" instead of focusing on the feeling of joy.

FAQs

How can I use "leaps for joy" in a sentence?

You can use "leaps for joy" to describe someone's reaction to something that makes them extremely happy. For example, "When she heard she got the job, she leapt for joy."

What can I say instead of "leaps for joy"?

You can use alternatives like "jump for joy", "be overjoyed", or "rejoice greatly" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "leaps for joy" and "jumps for joy"?

While both phrases express extreme happiness, "leaps for joy" might suggest a more spontaneous and less controlled expression of joy compared to "jumps for joy".

Is "leaps for joy" an idiom?

"Leaps for joy" is not strictly an idiom, but it is a common expression used to describe a physical manifestation of extreme happiness. An idiom would typically have a meaning that is not deducible from the individual words themselves, which is not the case here.