what a gas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a gas" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is very funny or enjoyable, often in a lighthearted or informal context. Example: "The party last night was such a blast; what a gas!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

What a gas!

The Economist

Levels of a substance called pregnancy zone protein had been unusually high, even before their symptoms appeared, in some of those who went on to develop Alzheimer's disease.In this section The nuclear option Expanding horizons Advance warning What a gas!

The Economist

In the longer term they might yield transplantable organs with the same genotype as the recipient, thus eliminating the problem of rejection.In this section The nuclear option Expanding horizons Advance warning What a gas!

The Economist

Moreover, on closer examination they were able to see yolks, indicating that the embryos inside the eggs were alive and developing.In this section The nuclear option Expanding horizons Advance warning What a gas!

The Economist

Dr Hoffmann found in fruit flies, and Dr Beutler subsequently discovered in mice, a crucial protein-binding mechanism that helps the immune system recognise invaders and trigger an immune response against them.In this section The nuclear option Expanding horizons Advance warning What a gas!

The Economist

No one knows who owns what, a gas pipeline has exploded in Virginia and the Pentagon can't decide whose networks to retaliate against, Moscow's or Beijing's.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

What a gas-but not exactly a musically deep experience.

Huffington Post

Some day, not too far in the future, your kids and grandkids may ask you questions like "what was Styrofoam?" and "what's a gas station?" When that happens, tell them the story about summer night city council meetings in Capitola, Salinas and a growing list of communities around the world.

Huffington Post

A trailer park of sorts was set up in front of what was a gas station, but now houses one of the three large Spurs Stores along High Road that sell everything from scarves to hats, mugs to baby clothes, all in the proper club colors of blue and white.

The New York Times - Sports

In its draft, the agency put forth a uniform emissions standard for all power plants, including natural gas and coal, equal to what a cutting-edge gas facility emits.

Huffington Post

Because scientific questions tend to come with complicated answers, I thought I'd do my best to explain what pollutants a gas-powered motorbike emits and why.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a gas" to express lighthearted amusement or enjoyment in informal settings. It's best suited for situations where you want to convey a sense of fun or irony.

Common error

Avoid using "what a gas" in professional or academic writing. Its informal tone can be inappropriate and detract from the seriousness of the content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a gas" functions primarily as an exclamatory interjection. It's used to express amusement, delight, or ironic appreciation. This is supported by Ludwig, showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what a gas" is an exclamatory expression used to convey amusement, delight, or a touch of irony. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usage across diverse sources, primarily within news and media. It's best suited for informal contexts, offering a lighthearted way to react to something funny or enjoyable. While not prevalent in formal writing, its charm lies in its vintage feel, making it a delightful expression of amusement. Alternatives include "what a hoot" or "that's hilarious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a hoot

This phrase is a more direct synonym, expressing amusement or something being funny.

what a laugh

Similar to "what a hoot", but slightly less common.

that's a riot

Similar to "what a gas", indicating something is extremely funny or enjoyable.

what a joke

This implies that something is ridiculous or laughable, often with a negative connotation.

that's hilarious

A straightforward expression of finding something very funny.

how amusing

This is a more formal and slightly sarcastic way to express amusement.

how comical

This emphasizes the humorous or absurd nature of something.

that's rich

Often used sarcastically to express disbelief or amusement at hypocrisy.

how absurd

This highlights the illogical or nonsensical aspect of something.

what a funny thing

A more literal and less idiomatic way to express amusement.

FAQs

How can I use "what a gas" in a sentence?

You can use "what a gas" to express that something is very funny or enjoyable. For example, "The party last night was such a blast; "what a gas"!"

What can I say instead of "what a gas"?

You can use alternatives like "what a hoot", "what a laugh", or "that's a riot" depending on the context.

Is "what a gas" appropriate in formal writing?

No, "what a gas" is generally considered informal and is better suited for casual conversations or lighthearted contexts. Use more formal expressions in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "what a gas" and "that's hilarious"?

"What a gas" has a slightly vintage or old-fashioned feel, while "that's hilarious" is a more modern and direct expression of amusement. Both convey that something is very funny, but they differ in tone and style.