somebody laughs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somebody laughs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action where an unspecified person is laughing, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "In the quiet room, somebody laughs, breaking the tension that had filled the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The mood is underscored by a quote from Holden Caulfield: "New York's terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night.

The New York Times - Books

There are moments when the sadness and excitement of the place get mixed together: "New York's terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night.

The New York Times

Somebody laughs.

Huffington Post

But he'll say them over and over until somebody laughs".

Huffington Post

If somebody laughs so hard, you start laughing.

Huffington Post

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Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Somebody laughed," he told me.

The New Yorker

"If you can make somebody laugh too easily, you get bored.

The New York Times

You never see somebody laughing and think, "Oh, they look old".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rice loved the undeniable reality of making somebody laugh, but he had been having a tough time recently.

The New Yorker

She started to close them, and then somebody laughed, close by, close enough to be in the room with her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive verbs than "laughs" (e.g., "giggles", "chuckles", "roars") to convey different tones or intensities of laughter.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on indefinite pronouns like "somebody" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your sentence structure by specifying individuals or groups when possible to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somebody laughs" primarily functions as a simple declarative statement. It consists of an indefinite pronoun (somebody) acting as the subject and a verb (laughs) expressing an action. As Ludwig AI says, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somebody laughs" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to represent an instance of laughter from an unspecified individual. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness is not in question. While not overly frequent, it finds its place in various contexts, primarily News & Media and Science, serving to describe reactions or set scenes. When writing, consider alternatives like "someone chuckles" or "a person giggles" for more nuanced expressions of amusement, and avoid overuse of indefinite pronouns for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a man laughs

Replaces "somebody" with a specific gender.

a woman laughs

Replaces "somebody" with a specific gender.

a child laughs

Replaces "somebody" with a specific age.

someone chuckles

Replaces "laughs" with a quieter, more restrained form of amusement.

a person giggles

Replaces "laughs" with a lighter, more playful form of amusement, implies a sense of slight nervousness.

an individual guffaws

Substitutes "somebody" and "laughs" with more formal and intense terms, respectively.

one snickers

Replaces "laughs" with a suppressed or mocking laugh.

a figure erupts in laughter

Implies a sudden and forceful expression of laughter.

a soul roars with laughter

Adds emphasis to the intensity and origin of the laughter.

someone expresses amusement

Replaces "laughs" with a more general expression of enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "somebody laughs" in a sentence?

"Somebody laughs" is used to depict an instance of laughter from an unspecified person. For example: "In the audience, "somebody laughs", breaking the serious mood."

What are some alternatives to "somebody laughs"?

Alternatives include "someone chuckles", "a person giggles", or "one snickers", depending on the type and intensity of laughter you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "somebody laughs"?

Yes, "somebody laughs" is grammatically correct. "Somebody" is an indefinite pronoun that can act as the subject of the verb "laughs". However, be mindful of overusing indefinite pronouns in your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "somebody laughs" instead of naming the person?

Use "somebody laughs" when the specific individual is unknown, unimportant to the context, or when you want to create a sense of anonymity or generality. It can also build suspense or mystery.