suppress a chuckle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suppress a chuckle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of trying to hold back laughter in response to something amusing. Example: "During the serious meeting, I had to suppress a chuckle when my colleague made a funny remark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Daily Mail's Geoffrey Lean had also been unable "to suppress a chuckle".

The Guardian

But when she introduced him as "the next president of the United States," the four hundred gathered in the Hood College hall could not suppress a chuckle.

The Economist

Kevin Sheridan, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, could not suppress a chuckle as he offered another reason for Mr. McAuliffe's seeming candor.

The New York Times

I certainly found it hard to suppress a chuckle hearing Andy and Hazel, the king of targets and the hyperactive legislator, dissing the approach of the last 10 years when they were among its most on-message advocates.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a super-hunky (check out those forearms) Mr. Springsteen vogues down the ribbon of highway in his sister's photos, it is difficult for those of a Newmanian frame of mind to suppress a chuckle.

The New York Times

I don't want to belittle the importance of all this (once you start noticing these things, you see the Pantone influence in everything from TV soap operas to car interiors), but it is hard to suppress a chuckle at the words that accompany the annual announcement of the "colour of the year".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"No, no, no," she said, and suppressed a chuckle.

The New Yorker

"We couldn't see anything," said Ms. Jackson, 41, barely suppressing a chuckle, "because the lights were out!" Ms. Jackson's response says much about how many tourists in New York City have reacted to the blackout of 2003.

The New York Times

ALTHOUGH I'm as open to gay marriage as the next liberal, I have trouble suppressing a chuckle at the newly ecumenical wedding pages, in which the entry of "alternative lifestyle" unions into Emily Post territory seems to tweak the whole enterprise and turn the nuptial announcements into a parody of the institution itself.

The New York Times - Books

He forced a chuckle now and then, and suppressed a sigh when asked about the "too familiar" sight of James, a $30 million investment, watching from the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

With his finger on his lips and suppressing a boy-ish chuckle, a tittering drunk Geordie journalist by his side, Manson tip-toed down the lane before suddenly rapping aggressively on the car window, whereupon his poor publicist - a no-nonsense Scotsman - awoke to the sight of a leering man in make-up with his face pressed to the glass.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suppress a chuckle" to subtly describe a situation where someone is trying not to laugh, often due to politeness or seriousness of the context. This phrase adds nuance and vividly paints the scene for the reader.

Common error

While "suppress a chuckle" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing where a more serious tone is required. Consider alternatives like "maintained composure" or "remained serious" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suppress a chuckle" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of consciously holding back a laugh. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and can be used in written English. The phrase is used to indicate restraint in situations where laughter might be inappropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suppress a chuckle" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, used to describe the act of consciously holding back laughter. Its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal settings and should be used judiciously in highly formal writing. Related phrases like ""stifle a giggle"" or ""hold back a laugh"" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing and consider the specific context to avoid overuse, especially in very formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stifle a giggle

This alternative suggests a more restrained and quieter form of laughter being held back.

hold back a laugh

This option directly indicates the act of preventing oneself from laughing.

smother a laugh

This phrase conveys the sense of trying to muffle or conceal laughter so it is not noticeable.

contain a chuckle

Implies managing to keep a chuckle under control.

fight back a giggle

Emphasizes the effort required to prevent a giggle from escaping.

restrain a laugh

Suggests a deliberate effort to control the urge to laugh.

curb a chuckle

Indicates an attempt to limit or control a chuckle.

inhibit a laugh

This alternative suggests a more formal or conscious effort to prevent laughter.

control a chuckle

This implies a conscious act to keep the chuckle in check.

refrain from chuckling

This option directly states the avoidance of chuckling.

FAQs

How can I use "suppress a chuckle" in a sentence?

You can use "suppress a chuckle" to describe someone holding back laughter, such as, "I had to suppress a chuckle during the serious presentation when my phone rang."

What are some alternatives to "suppress a chuckle"?

You can use alternatives like "stifle a giggle", "hold back a laugh", or "smother a laugh" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "suppress a chuckle"?

Yes, "suppress a chuckle" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe the act of holding back laughter.

What is the difference between "suppress a chuckle" and "force a chuckle"?

"Suppress a chuckle" means to hold back laughter, while "force a chuckle" means to produce a chuckle that is not genuine or spontaneous. They have opposite meanings.