we may laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we may laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility or likelihood of laughter in a given situation or context. Example: "In the face of adversity, we may laugh to lighten the mood and bring some joy to our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We may laugh.

The New York Times

We may laugh, but his extreme prolific-ness may be the best thing for him.

The Guardian - Music

We may laugh at all those photographs of him stripped to the waist and hunting wildlife.

The Guardian - Books

We may laugh differently now, but the unspoken point was that laughter was part of being alive.

The New Yorker

We may laugh at the whole idea of painting with a moral purpose, but at least the 19th century thought it had an important role in public life and had something to contribute to it.

Independent

But the Marxes were grown-ups pretending to be children pretending to be grown-ups; we may laugh at adults playing children, but we don't want to be them.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We may laugh at these examples or dismiss them silly, but the biblical language employed in these contexts is actually pretty strong: eating shellfish is an abomination, a bare head is a disgrace, gossips will not inherit the kingdom of God, careless words are punishable by hell, guys who leer at women should gouge out their eyes.

Huffington Post

"People automatically equate laughter with humor and play, but we also may laugh at funerals and at times of extreme tension and anxiety.

Vice

You may laugh at the idea, but we are not talking about creating an "Uber for buses" here.

TechCrunch

The very same unexpected transitions that friends may laugh off could have the power to shape who we become.

Huffington Post

She may laugh longest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we may laugh" to introduce a slightly ironic or contrasting perspective, acknowledging a situation's potential absurdity while suggesting a possible emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "we may laugh" in contexts that demand solemnity or where humor is entirely inappropriate. The phrase can undermine the seriousness of the subject matter if misused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may laugh" functions as an introductory expression that sets up a potential or ironic reaction to a given situation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we may laugh" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as an introductory statement to acknowledge the potential for humor or irony in a situation. While not overly formal, it's best suited for neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media. Remember to consider the overall tone and avoid misusing it in serious or somber scenarios. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility and appropriateness in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might chuckle

Replaces "laugh" with "chuckle", suggesting a quieter, more subdued expression of amusement.

we may burst out laughing

Adds emphasis on the spontaneity and intensity of laughter.

we could giggle

Substitutes "laugh" with "giggle", implying a more childish or nervous expression of amusement.

we might crack up

Implies a more uncontrollable and boisterous form of laughter.

we can find humor

Shifts the focus to finding humor, rather than the act of laughing itself.

it's possible we'll laugh

Adds emphasis on the possibility of laughter, making it less direct.

perhaps we'll be amused

Replaces "laugh" with "be amused", indicating a broader range of possible reactions beyond just laughter.

we might see the funny side

Focuses on perceiving the humor in a situation, rather than the outward expression of laughter.

we may find it comical

Emphasizes the comical nature of something and the potential for laughter.

it is conceivable we'll laugh

Emphasizes the conceivability or possibility of laughing.

FAQs

How can I use "we may laugh" in a sentence?

Use "we may laugh" to introduce a statement that acknowledges a humorous or ironic aspect of a situation, as in, "We may laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but the underlying problem remains serious."

What are some alternatives to "we may laugh"?

Some alternatives include "we might chuckle", "we could giggle", or "we can find humor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we may laugh" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and context. In highly formal or somber settings, alternatives like "we might find irony" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "we may laugh" and "we will laugh"?

"We may laugh" expresses possibility, suggesting that laughter is a potential reaction. "We will laugh", on the other hand, indicates a higher degree of certainty or prediction that laughter will occur.