they would laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they would laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hypothetical situation where a group of people is expected to react with laughter. Example: "If they heard the joke, they would laugh uncontrollably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they would laugh.

The New Yorker

They would laugh at us.

Harvard Business Review

They would laugh at you.

The New York Times

They would laugh at me.

The New Yorker

They would laugh coquettishly and flirt outrageously.

The Guardian - Travel

"They would laugh and do it anyway".

The Guardian - Sport

They would laugh embarrassedly when I was picked on.

The New York Times

When most people would laugh or cry, they would laugh.

The New York Times

They couldn't take them to the police: they would laugh.

The Guardian - Books

They would laugh at me and often fights broke out.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps they would laugh and laugh their way into the sunset.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they would laugh", consider who 'they' refers to. Is it a specific group with a known sense of humor, or a general audience? Clarity in pronoun reference enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "they would laugh" in contexts that demand solemnity or gravity. Overusing this phrase can undermine the seriousness of a situation, especially when discussing sensitive or tragic topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they would laugh" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a hypothetical or predictable reaction of laughter from a group of people. Ludwig shows numerous examples from various sources where the phrase is used to indicate an expected or recalled humorous response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they would laugh" is a versatile modal verb phrase primarily used to describe a predictable or expected humorous reaction. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase commonly appears in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for neutral communication. The phrase is deemed grammatically correct, and is very common. While generally appropriate across various registers, writers should exercise caution in overly formal or solemn contexts, favoring alternatives if a serious tone is preferred. Ludwig provides a comprehensive set of examples demonstrating the phrase's usage and potential substitutions, helping to refine clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they'd chuckle

Replaces "laugh" with a quieter, more subdued form of amusement. A less emphatic expression of laughter.

they'd burst into laughter

Suggests a sudden and exuberant reaction of laughter. Adds emphasis on the suddenness and intensity of the laughter.

they'd roar with laughter

Conveys loud and unrestrained laughter. Adds intensity and volume to the laughter.

they'd find it amusing

Shifts the focus from the act of laughing to the feeling of amusement that prompts it. More indirect than "they would laugh".

they'd dissolve into laughter

Implies a gradual yielding to laughter, possibly from holding it back. Focuses on the process of transitioning into laughter.

they'd be amused

Emphasizes the state of being amused rather than the act of laughing. Less direct, focusing on the feeling rather than the expression.

they would be in stitches

Suggests extreme amusement and uncontrollable laughter. Conveys a higher degree of amusement.

it would amuse them

More detached perspective emphasizing the amusement as an attribute of the subject and the object

they might giggle

Suggests light, often nervous or childish laughter. Less forceful or open compared to a full laugh.

they might snicker

Suggests a suppressed or mocking laugh, often implying derision or secrecy. Carries a slightly negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "they would laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "they would laugh" to describe a hypothetical or past situation where a group of people found something amusing. For example, "If he told that joke, "they would laugh"."

What does "they would laugh" imply about the situation?

"They would laugh" suggests that a situation is humorous or absurd enough to elicit laughter from a group of people. It can also imply shared understanding or a common sense of humor among the group.

What can I say instead of "they would laugh"?

Alternatives include "they would find it amusing", "they would chuckle", or "they would be amused", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "they would laugh" appropriate for formal writing?

"They would laugh" is generally acceptable in most contexts, but for very formal writing, consider alternatives that maintain a more serious tone, unless humor is intentionally part of the piece. For example, they would find it amusing.