make someone laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make someone laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to convey the idea that something has made someone amused or humorous. For example: The funny prank our coworker played on his boss made everyone laugh.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Well, yeah, what better than to make someone laugh?

The New York Times

In one bound, solve the perennial present problem, make someone laugh and save Venice.

The Guardian - Books

Nothing is just put in to make someone laugh, or to shit on someone".

The Guardian - Sport

He'd make someone laugh one day, but it was never going to be me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At that moment, Mr. Colbert said he resolved that he wanted to be able to make someone laugh that hard.

The New York Times

"We did a laughing game there where we had to make someone laugh, but not laugh ourselves.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

A cute dog makes a great prop, and paying a compliment or making someone laugh is a sure-fire way to kick off a conversation.

The New York Times

I have often heard it said that a book made someone "laugh out loud" and thought this only existed in book reviews, but Lisa Williamson's intelligent, thought-stoking novel genuinely had me softly chuckling on more than one occasion.

The Guardian

Making someone laugh is definitely so important.

BBC

Making someone laugh makes them feel close to you, and shows your personal, friendly, approachable side (though you could argue against "approachable" in this case).

Forbes

Making someone laugh, nerding out about tech specs of the new iPhone 5, or gushing about a new song you love?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make someone laugh" when you want to express the ability or intention to cause amusement in another person. Be mindful of the context, as humor can be subjective and what makes one person laugh may not affect another.

Common error

Avoid relying on tired jokes or predictable situations when trying to "make someone laugh". Opt for original observations, personal anecdotes, or clever wordplay to create genuine humor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make someone laugh" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes the action of causing amusement in another person. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s proper use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make someone laugh" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of causing amusement and joy in another person. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English. Its prevalence across news sources, online wikis, and everyday conversations demonstrates its versatility. When considering its usage, be aware of the social context and the audience’s sensitivities. Related alternatives, such as "crack someone up" or "bring a smile to someone's face", offer nuances that can better suit specific situations. Ultimately, the phrase highlights the power of humor in connecting with others and brightening their day.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crack someone up

Implies a more explosive and unrestrained burst of laughter.

tickle someone's funny bone

Specifically refers to eliciting humor, but in a more figurative and playful way.

have someone in stitches

Implies uncontrollable laughter

bring a smile to someone's face

Focuses on creating a gentle, positive emotional response rather than outright laughter.

amuse someone

A general term for providing enjoyment, which may or may not involve laughter.

elicit laughter from someone

More formal and emphasizes the act of drawing out laughter.

cheer someone up

Focuses on alleviating sadness or negativity, with humor as one possible method.

put a smile on someone's lips

Similar to bringing a smile to someone's face, but more descriptive.

spark joy in someone

Broader and focuses on general happiness, not necessarily through humor.

brighten someone's day

Focuses on improving overall mood, with humor as one possible method.

FAQs

How can I use "make someone laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "make someone laugh" to describe an action or situation that causes amusement. For example: "His witty jokes always "make someone laugh"."

What are some alternatives to "make someone laugh"?

Alternatives include "tickle someone's funny bone", "crack someone up", or "bring a smile to someone's face", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to try to "make someone laugh"?

While humor can be a great way to connect with others, it's essential to be mindful of the context and the other person's feelings. Avoid using humor that could be offensive or insensitive.

What's the difference between "make someone laugh" and "amuse someone"?

"Amuse someone" is a broader term that means to provide enjoyment, while "make someone laugh" specifically refers to eliciting laughter. You can amuse someone without necessarily "make someone laugh".