uncontrollable laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncontrollable laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where someone is unable to stop laughing due to the intensity or humor of the situation. Example: The comedy show had the entire audience in fits of uncontrollable laughter, with tears streaming down their faces and their stomachs aching from the constant chuckling.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Uncontrollable laughter.

The Guardian - Books

The classroom just dissolves into uncontrollable laughter.

The New Yorker

We double over, choking with uncontrollable laughter.

The New Yorker

Occasionally they burst into uncontrollable laughter.

The New York Times

Then he broke into uncontrollable laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

Guest's huge frame shook with almost uncontrollable laughter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

And who knows--maybe you and your little cobbled-together team will beat Westword's team, or Twist & Shout's, or even Donnybrook's team (uncontrollable mirthful laughter).

Huffington Post

And because that's the case, I'm on the side of uncontrollable belly laughter and pre-rainstorm aromas whether it makes sense in human words or not.

Huffington Post

Then I saw the SNL opening and I felt compelled to share with you, my readers, an event of last week that saddened me and many others, but even in its devastating sadness brought a smile to my face along with some uncontrollable belly laughter.

Huffington Post

Then he'd just dissolve in fits of laughter, uncontrollable schoolboy laughter, and the fact it was on Radio 4 made it all the funnier.

Independent

In school, she got into trouble for uncontrollable fits of laughter".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncontrollable laughter" to vividly describe a scene where people are laughing without being able to stop, often due to extreme amusement or an awkward situation. It conveys a sense of spontaneity and intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "uncontrollable laughter" in overly formal or serious writing. While appropriate for descriptive or narrative pieces, more subdued or professional language may be necessary in business or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncontrollable laughter" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "uncontrollable" modifies the noun "laughter". It typically describes a state or instance of laughter that cannot be suppressed or managed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncontrollable laughter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of laughter that is impossible to suppress. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and the examples show its prevalence across various news and media outlets. While appropriate for general descriptive purposes, it should be used cautiously in formal contexts. Semantically related alternatives include "unrestrained laughter" and "irrepressible laughter", offering similar shades of meaning. Remember to use the phrase judiciously and avoid overly formal situations where more restrained language is appropriate. The phrase's frequency and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for expressive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrestrained laughter

Emphasizes the lack of restraint in the laughter.

irrepressible laughter

Highlights the inability to suppress the laughter.

unstoppable laughter

Focuses on the inability to halt the laughter once it starts.

convulsive laughter

Describes the physical, jerky nature of the laughter.

sidesplitting laughter

Refers to laughter that is extremely funny and causes physical discomfort.

uproarious laughter

Highlights the loud and boisterous nature of the laughter.

uncontrollable mirth

Replaces "laughter" with a synonym, "mirth".

fits of giggles

Describes short bursts of uncontrollable laughter.

howls of laughter

Emphasizes the loud, animalistic quality of the laughter.

peals of laughter

Describes the ringing or echoing quality of the laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "uncontrollable laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "uncontrollable laughter" to describe a situation where someone is unable to stop laughing. For example, "The comedian's jokes sent the audience into "uncontrollable laughter"."

What are some synonyms for "uncontrollable laughter"?

Alternatives include "unrestrained laughter", "irrepressible laughter", or "uproarious laughter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "uncontrollable laughter"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "uncontrollable laughter" in very formal or somber contexts where such an intense expression of mirth might seem out of place. Choose more restrained language in those situations.

What causes "uncontrollable laughter"?

"Uncontrollable laughter" can be caused by various factors, including extreme amusement, nervous reactions, or even certain medical conditions. The specific cause depends on the context in which the laughter occurs.