seriously funny

USAGE SUMMARY

"seriously funny" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is funny in an earnest or thoughtful way. For example, “His jokes were seriously funny – even his dad was laughing!”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sedaris is seriously funny.

The Guardian - Books

A seriously funny guy.

The New York Times

Like all seriously funny people, Lurie rarely smiles or laughs.

The Guardian - Books

Her novel 'Killing the Emperors' is a seriously funny satire on the modern art industry.

Independent

When Harvey Fierstein has something seriously funny to say, he sets it up by tuning his voice low.

The New Yorker

SERIOUSLY FUNNY: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s, by Gerald Nachman.

The New York Times

"Dead serious, seriously funny", is how Miracle are billing their latest production, Waiting for Godot.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, there are a few seriously funny books that remain great for all time.

The Guardian - Books

It's an exemplary, seriously funny duet between a man and a piece of furniture.

The New York Times

'There's a nagging voice inside me that longs for the seriously funny stuff he used to do,' says Jacobson.

The Guardian - Books

This was the worry expressed by Howard Jacobson in his book Seriously Funny: From the Ridiculous to the Sublime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "seriously funny". It's appropriate in most contexts, but be mindful if the situation requires strict formality.

Common error

Avoid using "seriously funny" too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions of humor with alternatives like "genuinely hilarious" or "extremely amusing" to keep your language fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously funny" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of humor. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Books

18%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seriously funny" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is genuinely amusing and perhaps also insightful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media, Books, and Arts. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or scientific settings. Remember to use a varied vocabulary and use synonyms to keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely hilarious

Emphasizes the authenticity and high level of humor.

truly comedic

Highlights the authentic comedic nature.

extremely amusing

Focuses on the high degree of amusement caused.

exceptionally humorous

Suggests a level of humor beyond the ordinary.

remarkably droll

Implies a sophisticated and subtly amusing quality.

downright comical

Emphasizes the blatant or obvious humor.

uproariously funny

Stresses the loudness and intensity of the laughter.

laugh-out-loud funny

Highlights the humor as causing audible laughter.

side-splittingly funny

Implies the humor is so great that it causes physical reactions.

highly entertaining

Focuses on enjoyment rather than specific humor.

FAQs

How can I use "seriously funny" in a sentence?

You can use "seriously funny" to describe something that is genuinely amusing or humorous. For example, "The movie was "seriously funny", I couldn't stop laughing".

What's a good alternative to "seriously funny"?

Alternatives include "genuinely hilarious", "extremely amusing", or "exceptionally humorous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seriously funny" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "seriously funny" might be considered informal for highly formal academic or professional writing. Consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "remarkably droll" in such contexts.

What makes something "seriously funny" as opposed to just funny?

"Seriously funny" suggests a deeper level of humor that is both amusing and perhaps insightful or thought-provoking. It's more than just a simple joke; it has substance.