source of laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"source of laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it to describe something or someone that provokes laughter or amusement. For example, "Her silly jokes were a source of laughter for the entire family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

She was a source of laughter, love, and kindness and will be deeply missed.

The New York Times

By making them a source of laughter, we hope to show — in a mature fashion — just how absurd they are".

The New Yorker

Attention is directed here, as in other critical treatises of this kind, to the source of laughter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But once in a while, commuting becomes high adventure, a source of laughter and the stuff of lasting memories.

The New York Times

And his zingers, delivered just right, were a constant source of laughter for his family and friends.

The New York Times

He developed his humour from plot and situation and was the first comedian to use physical danger as a source of laughter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I know that the sources of laughter are infinite and largely unknowable to all but a precious few.

The New York Times - Arts

We limited our search to "laugh$," and did not explicitly seek cacchinations, cackles, chortles, chuckles, giggles, grins, guffaws, smiles, smirks, sneers, sniggers, teehees, or titters; we also ignored sources of laughter (comedy, drollery, humour, jest, jocularity, whimsy, wit, and wisecracks).

British Medical Journal

I'd lost my other half, my daily source of raucous laughter.

The New York Times

The source of the laughter that sealed Roth's friendship with Geng, when they met for drinks at the Algonquin later that year, can be found in her writing no less than in his.

The New Yorker

It was the bane of my life when I was in secondary school - the source of much laughter and ribald jokes.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "source of laughter", consider the specific type of humor involved. Is it lighthearted amusement, boisterous laughter, or something more subtle and wry? Choosing appropriate adjectives to modify "source" can enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "source of laughter" in overly formal or serious contexts where humor is inappropriate. In such cases, opt for more neutral or respectful language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of laughter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies what or who causes laughter. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3.33%

Formal & Business

3.33%

Social Media

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of laughter" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes what causes amusement and laughter. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples. Its register is generally neutral, fitting various contexts but particularly prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the specific type of humor you're referring to and avoid overuse in overly serious situations. Related phrases like /s/cause+of+amusement and /s/reason+for+mirth offer similar meanings with slight differences in connotation. Common mistakes involve using the phrase inappropriately in very formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause of amusement

Focuses on the general feeling of amusement, not specifically laughter; broader in scope.

one who amuses

Highlights the person or entity that causes amusement, using a more direct and active voice.

reason for mirth

Mirth suggests a more elevated or refined form of amusement, less boisterous than laughter.

source of merriment

Merriment implies a festive or celebratory atmosphere, making this phrase suitable for such contexts.

giver of joy

Shifts the focus from laughter to the more general emotion of joy, encompassing a wider range of positive feelings.

creator of hilarity

Emphasizes the active role in creating a humorous situation, often suggesting wild or uproarious laughter.

bringer of smiles

Emphasizes the physical expression of happiness (smiles) rather than the audible expression of laughter.

comic influence

Suggests a more deliberate or intentional effort to be funny, often implying a professional or artistic context.

funny aspect

Refers to a specific feature or element that elicits laughter, rather than the overall cause or source.

humorous element

Similar to "funny aspect" but slightly more formal, often used in analytical or critical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "source of laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "source of laughter" to describe a person, thing, or situation that causes people to laugh. For example, "His jokes were a constant "source of laughter" at the office".

What are some synonyms for "source of laughter"?

Alternatives include /s/cause+of+amusement, /s/reason+for+mirth, or /s/bringer+of+smiles, each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "a source for laughter" instead of "source of laughter"?

While understandable, "source of laughter" is the more idiomatic and commonly accepted phrasing. "Source for laughter" sounds less natural.

What's the difference between "source of laughter" and "source of amusement"?

"Source of laughter" specifically refers to things that make people laugh, while "source of amusement" (/s/source+of+amusement) is broader and can include things that are simply entertaining or diverting, even without causing audible laughter.