with amusement

USAGE SUMMARY

"with amusement" is an entirely correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to convey a feeling of fondness or amusement towards something or someone, as in the following example sentence: "The children watched the clown with amusement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The other men watched us with amusement.

The New Yorker

"It's artistic license," he noted with amusement.

The New York Times

They regard each other with amusement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He watches our grimacing faces with amusement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Is that real gold?" he asked, with amusement.

The New Yorker

Mr. Paik gazed at his wife with amusement.

The New York Times

Fishing with Jack, my older brother, is recollected with amusement.

The New York Times

She viewed them with amusement, but she accepted most invitations.

The New Yorker

But they described those episodes with amusement rather than resentment.

The New York Times

"'Gypped!' She swung around, her voice cracking with amusement.

The New York Times

"Oh, no," Mongkol said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with amusement" to describe a reaction or observation that involves a sense of enjoyment, lightheartedness, or gentle mockery. Ensure the context aligns with this nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "with amusement" in highly formal or serious contexts where a more neutral or empathetic tone is expected. Consider the overall tone of your writing to ensure it aligns with the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with amusement" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It indicates that something is observed or done in a way that reflects amusement or mild entertainment, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Lifestyle

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with amusement" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is being observed or done in a lighthearted or gently mocking manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to add emotional color to descriptions. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While suitable for many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or serious contexts. Alternatives like "with a smile" or "in jest" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances. The high number of real-world examples confirms that this phrase is widely used and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a chuckle

Emphasizes the sound of light, amused laughter.

with a smile

Focuses on the facial expression accompanying the amusement.

with a grin

Similar to 'with a smile' but suggests a broader, more expressive amusement.

with a twinkle in their eye

Focuses on the visual cue of amusement being present in the eyes.

with tolerant amusement

Implies that the amusement is mixed with patience and acceptance.

in jest

Highlights the playful or joking nature of the remark or action.

with barely concealed mirth

Suggests amusement that is difficult to hide or suppress.

with lightheartedness

Indicates a carefree and cheerful amusement.

in a humorous way

Highlights the way something is said or done, making it funny.

with a sense of fun

Emphasizes the enjoyment and playfulness associated with the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "with amusement" in a sentence?

Use "with amusement" to describe how someone observes or reacts to something in a lighthearted or gently mocking way. For example, "He watched the children playing "with amusement"".

What are some alternatives to "with amusement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "with a smile", "in jest", or "with a chuckle". These phrases offer slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "with amusement" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "with amusement" might not be suitable for highly formal or serious contexts. Consider the tone and audience of your writing before using this phrase. In more formal settings, a more neutral phrase might be preferable.

What's the difference between "with amusement" and "with joy"?

"With amusement" implies a sense of lightheartedness, gentle mockery, or enjoyment of something funny or ironic. "With joy", on the other hand, indicates a feeling of great happiness or pleasure. The choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.