wry humour

USAGE SUMMARY

"wry humour" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a type of humour that is dry, sarcastic, or subtly ironic. Example: The comedian's delivery was filled with wry humour that had the audience in stitches.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Colleagues remember his kindness and wry humour.

The Economist

They also have an eccentric, wry humour.

The Guardian

"Oh, and keep a story ready about me," he adds with wry humour.

The Economist

He was always smartly dressed and could seem dour, but was capable of wry humour.

Independent

Admire the wry humour of the pioneer who called his new home Grit.

The Economist

Canby's reviews were never academic, and were often invested with a wry humour.

The Guardian

In pages peppered with deft, wry humour Bennett displays his sympathies for the poor, the homeless and the gay community.

Independent

He speaks somewhat lugubriously, in impeccable English, but with hints of wry humour beneath his default setting of high seriousness.

Independent

The lightness and wry humour of Kadare's tale of tyranny makes the fate of the characters all the more devastating.

Independent

He had a mixture of wry humour and loyalty, and courage which made him a marvellous comrade".

Independent

Van Duyn used wry humour, insight, irony, and technical skill to find meaning and possibility in a merciless world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wry humour" when you want to convey a sense of amusement that is subtly sarcastic or ironic. It's effective in both formal and informal writing to add a layer of sophistication to your tone.

Common error

Avoid using "wry humour" in situations that require overt or slapstick comedy. The phrase is best suited for contexts where a dry, understated comedic effect is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wry humour" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It characterizes a particular type of humor that is subtly sarcastic or ironic. As Ludwig confirms, it is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Arts

4%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wry humour" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a subtle, often ironic form of humor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media sources, it also appears in encyclopedias and literature. Understanding the nuances of "wry humour" allows writers to effectively employ it in appropriate contexts, adding depth and sophistication to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle humor

Similar to understated humor, focusing on the delicacy and finesse of the comedic effect.

understated humor

Stresses the subtle and restrained nature of the humor.

dry wit

Focuses more on the intellectual aspect of the humor, emphasizing cleverness and subtlety.

droll humor

Implies a quirky and amusing quality, often delivered in a deadpan manner.

ironic humor

Emphasizes the use of irony to create amusement.

sarcastic humor

Highlights the use of sarcasm as a key element of the humor.

deadpan humor

Highlights the expressionless or impassive delivery of the humor.

self-deprecating humor

Emphasizes humor derived from making fun of oneself.

quiet amusement

Focuses on the gentle and subdued feeling of amusement.

dark humor

Involves finding humor in morbid or tragic subjects.

FAQs

How to use "wry humour" in a sentence?

You can use "wry humour" to describe someone's personality, writing style, or a particular situation. For example: "His stories were filled with "wry humour", making even the bleakest situations seem amusing."

What is the difference between "wry humour" and "dark humour"?

"Wry humour" is subtle and often ironic, while "dark humour" finds amusement in morbid or tragic subjects. "Wry humour" is gentler and more understated.

What can I say instead of "wry humour"?

You can use alternatives like "dry wit", "ironic humor", or "understated humor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wry humour" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "wry humour" can be appropriate for formal writing, especially when used to add a subtle layer of sophistication or irony. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.