telling jokes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling jokes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making people laugh by sharing humorous stories or anecdotes. Example: "During the party, he entertained everyone by telling jokes that had us all in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was singing, telling jokes.

The New York Times - Arts

Or telling jokes?

The Guardian - Books

"I'm very bad at telling jokes.

The New Yorker

"People think humor is telling jokes.

Stanford University

Were we telling jokes again?

The New York Times - Travel

She copes by telling jokes.

The Guardian

They're not telling jokes, however.

The New York Times

"It's more spontaneous, rather than telling jokes".

The New Yorker

"I never stopped talking and telling jokes.

The New Yorker

I stopped telling jokes on Twitter.

The Guardian

It seems like yesterday we were laughing & telling jokes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when "telling jokes". What might be funny to one group could be offensive to another. Tailor your humor to fit the context and cultural sensitivities of your listeners.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "telling jokes" for humor. Wit, anecdotes, and observational humor can be more engaging than canned jokes, especially in professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling jokes" functions as a verbal phrase, typically serving as the predicate or part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the act of narrating or relating humorous stories or anecdotes, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "telling jokes" is a common and grammatically sound verbal phrase used to describe the act of narrating humorous anecdotes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, indicating its widespread use across various contexts. While highly prevalent in news, media, academia and wiki, its formality can shift based on the type and audience of the jokes. When employing "telling jokes", it's essential to consider your audience and the setting to ensure your humor is well-received. Alternatives include "cracking jokes" or "making jokes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cracking jokes

Focuses on the act of delivering jokes in a quick, often spontaneous manner.

making jokes

A more general term for creating and delivering jokes.

reciting jokes

Implies a more formal or rehearsed delivery of jokes.

narrating jokes

Suggests a storytelling aspect to the delivery of jokes.

spinning yarns

Refers to telling humorous or exaggerated stories.

exchanging banter

Describes a playful back-and-forth of jokes and witty remarks.

engaging in repartee

Involves quick, witty replies and exchanges.

offering quips

Suggests the delivery of short, witty remarks.

delivering punchlines

Highlights the culminating part of telling jokes.

being humorous

A broader expression for exhibiting humor, which may or may not involve jokes.

FAQs

How can I use "telling jokes" effectively in a conversation?

Use "telling jokes" sparingly and appropriately. Ensure jokes are relevant to the conversation and audience, and avoid dominating the conversation with excessive joke-"telling".

What are some alternatives to "telling jokes"?

You can use alternatives like "cracking jokes", "making jokes", or "reciting jokes" depending on the context.

Is "telling jokes" appropriate in formal settings?

While humor can be beneficial, "telling jokes" in formal settings should be approached with caution. Ensure jokes are clean, relevant, and don't undermine the seriousness of the situation.

How does "telling jokes" differ from other forms of humor?

"Telling jokes" is a direct form of humor, whereas other forms like wit or sarcasm rely on context and subtlety. Jokes are structured narratives with punchlines, while other forms of humor can be more spontaneous and observational.