was in stitches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in stitches" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of uncontrollable laughter or amusement. Example: "The comedian's jokes were so funny that the entire audience was in stitches throughout the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He was in stitches now.

The New Yorker

The first half of the show I was doing a load of German material and Dolph was in stitches.

The Guardian

"Zunes!" shouted a snob far in the back, and everybody within earshot was in stitches for minutes.

The Economist

Aw, I'm so fucking sorry!' I was in stitches but he was such a nice man he started adding more food to make up for his mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

A source told the Mirror newspaper at the time: "Chris Martin was in stitches throughout the recording and only just managed to get his lines out".

The Guardian - Music

"I was in stitches much of the way," he writes after reading Elledge's take on his youth, "recalling my Early Ineptitude, my Early Sorrows, my Immaculate Romancing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But that wouldn't explain why Moose was in Stitch and Press snapping photos with fans.

Vice

We were in stitches.

The Guardian - Film

My father would have been in stitches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You literally are in stitches throughout cabinet.

The Guardian

Mother would be in stitches, but Father would say to her, 'Your son is an idiot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was in stitches" to vividly describe a situation where someone found something extremely funny. It's best suited for informal contexts to add color and emphasis to your writing.

Common error

While "was in stitches" is a vivid expression, avoid using it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "was highly amused" or "found it very funny" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in stitches" functions as a predicative expression, describing a state of extreme amusement or laughter. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing its use in sentences where subjects are described as experiencing uncontrollable laughter. The phrase adds emphasis and vividly portrays the intensity of the humorous reaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was in stitches" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone experiencing uncontrollable laughter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, making it suitable for neutral to informal communication. While vividly descriptive, it should be avoided in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "was highly amused" for a more professional tone. The phrase effectively conveys extreme amusement, adding color and emphasis to writing when appropriately used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was laughing hysterically

Focuses on the uncontrolled nature of the laughter, emphasizing its intensity.

was roaring with laughter

Highlights the loud and boisterous quality of the laughter.

was convulsed with laughter

Emphasizes the physical impact of the laughter, suggesting strong physical reactions.

was doubled over with laughter

Focuses on the physical posture resulting from intense laughter.

was beside oneself with laughter

Suggests a state of being overwhelmed by amusement.

couldn't stop laughing

Highlights the inability to control or cease the laughter.

was highly amused

A more subdued way of expressing amusement, suitable for formal settings.

found it hilarious

Directly states that something was perceived as extremely funny.

cracked up laughing

An informal way of saying someone suddenly burst into laughter.

burst out laughing

Indicates a sudden and spontaneous outbreak of laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "was in stitches" in a sentence?

You can use "was in stitches" to describe someone's reaction to something extremely funny. For example: "The comedian's performance was so hilarious; the audience "was in stitches"."

What can I say instead of "was in stitches"?

You can use alternatives like "was laughing hysterically", "was roaring with laughter", or "was convulsed with laughter" depending on the desired level of intensity.

Is "was in stitches" formal or informal?

"Was in stitches" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives include "was highly amused" or "found it very funny".

What is the difference between "was in stitches" and "was laughing a lot"?

"Was in stitches" implies a more extreme level of amusement than "was laughing a lot". It suggests that someone found something exceptionally funny and was convulsed with laughter.