merry time

USAGE SUMMARY

"merry time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a cheerful or joyous period of time. Example: "The holiday party was a merry time, filled with laughter and festive music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They drank tea, sang and had a merry time.

The New Yorker

As elsewhere, Christmas in China is a merry time to shop.

The Economist

His neighbors had two days to gather what fairy dust remained, and they made a merry time of it.

The New York Times

For the Old Etonian Macmillan, later promoted to the earldom of Stockton, the year 2010 would have seemed a merry time.

Independent

I went to see Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday," and, along with a large audience, I had a merry time with its action football.

The New York Times

She then played a spade, as requested by the lead, and the defense had a merry time crossruffing to collect 1,100.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Guess who had the merrier time?) When Albert Brooks dissolved into a Niagara of sweat, in "Broadcast News," he was not the comic exception to the rule; he was the rule, made flesh and salt, enough to make any screen actor wake in the night and cry.

The New Yorker

As drinks group Distil, my most recent addition, and Marston's, a long-time member, enjoyed seasonal cheer, it should follow that the drinks industry as a whole had a merry old time, with pubs and restaurants booming.

Independent

I had a merry old time.

The Guardian - Books

And with that, all that's left for me to do is to wish you a merry old time.

The New York Times - Tech

It's only your Christmas wait Believe it or not, friends, as you please, Who can remember when Christmas was merry, The time has come, the clock reveals, Friends of the peccant human race, Greetings, friends!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merry time" to evoke a sense of lighthearted enjoyment, especially in contexts related to holidays, celebrations, or positive social gatherings. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the tone of cheerful festivity.

Common error

Avoid using "merry time" in highly formal or professional documents where a more neutral or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. Opt for phrases like "positive period" or "successful phase" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merry time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for a period characterized by joy and festivity. It modifies the concept of "time" with the adjective "merry", indicating a cheerful or joyous duration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merry time" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase that describes a period filled with joy and festivity. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, and deemed appropriate by Ludwig, it carries a neutral to informal tone. Ludwig AI helps users understand and use this expression within its typical joyous connotations. Be aware of the register when utilizing "merry time"; while generally suitable for conversation and media, it might be less fitting in formal academic or professional settings. Consider semantically similar alternatives like "joyful occasion" or "festive period" depending on the specific nuance and level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joyful occasion

Replaces "time" with "occasion", emphasizing a specific event of happiness.

festive period

Substitutes "merry" with "festive" and "time" with "period", highlighting the celebratory nature of the duration.

happy moment

Focuses on a single instance of happiness rather than an extended period.

pleasant experience

Emphasizes the positive and agreeable nature of the time.

enjoyable interval

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a period of enjoyment.

delightful phase

Highlights the charming and pleasing quality of the time.

cheerful span

Emphasizes the upbeat and positive aspect of the duration.

gleeful episode

Focuses on a specific event characterized by great happiness.

jovial stretch

Describes a period marked by good humor and sociability.

blissful interlude

Highlights a short period of perfect happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "merry time" in a sentence?

You can use "merry time" to describe a period filled with joy and celebration, such as, "The holiday season is always a "merry time" for families".

What are some alternatives to saying "merry time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "joyful occasion", "festive period", or "happy moment".

Is "merry time" too informal for professional writing?

"Merry time" is generally suitable for informal or lighthearted contexts. For professional writing, consider more formal alternatives such as "pleasant experience" or "positive period".

What's the difference between "merry time" and "happy time"?

While both phrases indicate enjoyment, ""merry time"" often suggests a more festive and celebratory atmosphere, whereas "happy time" can refer to any period of contentment.