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A2 verb #43 most common 15 min read

laugh

Top 43

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips laugh in 30 Seconds

Explanation laugh in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'laugh' is one of the basic action verbs you learn to describe human emotions. You use it in simple present and past tenses to talk about things that are funny. For example, 'I laugh at the joke' or 'He laughed yesterday.' At this stage, you focus on the core meaning: making a sound because something is funny. You learn that 'laugh' is a verb and that it is different from 'smile.' You also start to see it in very simple phrases like 'laugh at.' The goal is to be able to identify the action in a picture or a simple story and use it to describe your own reactions in a basic way. You might also learn the word 'funny' alongside it, as in 'It is funny, so I laugh.' The pronunciation is a key focus here, specifically the 'f' sound at the end of the word despite the 'gh' spelling.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'laugh' in more varied contexts and with basic adverbs. You understand the difference between 'laughing at' (which can be mean) and 'laughing with' (which is friendly). You can use the present continuous to describe what is happening right now: 'Why are you laughing?' You also start to learn common collocations like 'make someone laugh' or 'laugh out loud.' At this level, you can describe a funny situation in a few sentences using 'laugh' as a central verb. You might also encounter the noun form 'laugh' in phrases like 'have a laugh.' You are expected to use the past tense 'laughed' correctly in simple narratives. You are also introduced to the idea that laughter can be a social response, not just a reaction to a joke.

At the B1 level, you use 'laugh' with a wider range of adverbs and in more complex sentence structures. You might say someone 'laughed nervously' or 'laughed heartily.' You understand more idiomatic uses, such as 'laugh off' a mistake or 'burst out laughing.' You can use 'laugh' in conditional sentences: 'If he tells that joke, everyone will laugh.' You also begin to distinguish 'laugh' from more specific synonyms like 'giggle' or 'chuckle' and can choose the right one for the context. Your understanding of the social nuances of laughter grows; you can discuss why someone might laugh in an awkward situation. You also become more comfortable using 'laugh' in its noun form and in common idioms like 'it's no laughing matter.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'laugh' and its synonyms with precision and nuance. You can describe different types of laughter (guffaw, snicker, titter) to add detail to your writing and speaking. You understand and can use complex idioms like 'laugh all the way to the bank' or 'he who laughs last, laughs best.' You can use 'laugh' in more abstract ways, such as 'the plan was laughable' (meaning ridiculous). You are also able to use the word in formal and informal registers appropriately. In discussions, you can analyze the role of laughter in culture or psychology. You understand the use of 'laugh' in literature to convey character traits and can explain the irony in a situation where someone laughs when they should be serious.

At the C1 level, your use of 'laugh' is sophisticated and natural. You can use the word and its derivatives in a variety of complex grammatical structures, including passive forms or as part of intricate metaphors. You have a deep understanding of the subtle connotations of different types of laughter and can use them to create specific effects in your writing. You are familiar with literary and historical references to laughter and can use the word to discuss complex social dynamics, such as the use of laughter as a form of subversion or social control. You can effortlessly switch between literal and figurative meanings. You also understand the phonological nuances of the word in different English dialects and can use it effectively in persuasive or creative speaking.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'laugh' and its place in the English language. You can use it with total precision, capturing the finest shades of meaning. You are familiar with rare and archaic uses of the word, as well as the most modern slang. You can analyze the etymology of 'laugh' and its relationship to other Germanic languages. In your own production, you use 'laugh' and its synonyms to create rhythm, tone, and subtext. You can engage in high-level academic or philosophical debates about the nature of humor and the human impulse to laugh. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker, and you can use it to express the most complex and subtle of human emotions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

laugh in 30 Seconds

Laugh is a verb used to show amusement through sound and facial expressions.
It is a regular verb (laugh, laughed, laughed) and often takes the preposition 'at'.
Laughter is a universal social signal that helps people bond and relieve stress.
Common synonyms include giggle, chuckle, and guffaw, each with different nuances.

The verb laugh refers to the physical and vocal expression of amusement, joy, or sometimes even nervousness. It is a universal human behavior that transcends cultural boundaries, though the triggers for laughter vary widely. When you laugh, you typically make rhythmic, audible sounds and your facial muscles contract, often showing your teeth and crinkling your eyes. This action is usually involuntary, triggered by something perceived as funny, absurd, or surprising. In social contexts, laughing serves as a powerful bonding tool, signaling to others that we are sharing a positive experience or that we find a situation non-threatening. It is one of the first social cues humans develop, with infants beginning to laugh at just a few months old.

Core Definition: To produce sounds and movements of the face and body that express happiness or amusement.

Laughter isn't just about humor; it's also a physiological response. It involves the respiratory system, as air is forced out of the lungs in short bursts. This is why people sometimes say they 'can't breathe' when they are laughing too hard. In English, we use 'laugh' in various social registers. You might laugh at a joke, laugh with a friend, or even laugh in the face of danger. The word is incredibly versatile, appearing in formal psychological studies about 'gelotology' (the study of laughter) and in everyday casual conversation. Understanding when to laugh is a key part of pragmatic competence in English; for example, laughing at someone's misfortune is usually considered rude, whereas laughing at a self-deprecating joke is seen as a sign of humility and confidence.

The children began to laugh uncontrollably when the puppy started chasing its own tail.

Furthermore, laughter can be categorized by its intensity and intent. We have specific verbs for different types of laughing, such as 'giggle' for a high-pitched, silly laugh, or 'guffaw' for a loud, boisterous one. However, 'laugh' remains the umbrella term. It can also be used metaphorically. For instance, if a plan is so bad it's 'laughable,' it means it's worthy of being laughed at because it is ridiculous. In literature and film, a character's laugh often defines their personality—think of the 'maniacal laugh' of a villain or the 'infectious laugh' of a protagonist. In professional settings, a polite laugh can ease tension during a difficult negotiation, while in personal relationships, shared laughter is often cited as a cornerstone of long-term compatibility.

From a linguistic perspective, 'laugh' is an intransitive verb, but it often takes the preposition 'at' when directed toward a specific object or person. It's important to distinguish between 'laughing with' someone (sharing a joke) and 'laughing at' someone (making fun of them). This distinction is vital for maintaining social harmony. In modern digital communication, we often represent laughter through acronyms like 'LOL' (laugh out loud) or emojis, but the fundamental human action remains the same. Whether it's a quiet chuckle or a belly laugh, this word captures one of the most essential aspects of the human experience.

It was hard not to laugh when he realized he was wearing mismatched socks.

Social Context: Laughter acts as a social lubricant, helping to build rapport and reduce stress in groups.

She tried to laugh off the mistake to hide her embarrassment.

Everyone laughed when the comedian told his best story.

Physical Response: Laughter involves over 15 facial muscles and changes in breathing patterns.

I could hear them laughing from the other room.

Using the word laugh correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and the prepositions that typically follow it. Most commonly, 'laugh' is used as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not require a direct object. For example, 'He laughed.' However, when we want to indicate the cause of the laughter, we almost always use the preposition 'at'. You laugh *at* a joke, *at* a movie, or *at* a person. It is a common mistake for learners to use 'to' or 'of' instead of 'at'. Another frequent pattern is 'laugh with,' which implies a shared experience. 'I was laughing with my sister' suggests a bond, whereas 'I was laughing at my sister' might suggest mockery.

Prepositional Use: Always use 'at' for the target of laughter: 'They laughed at the silly clown.'

Adverbs play a significant role in modifying how someone laughs. You can laugh 'heartily' (loudly and with great energy), 'nervously' (when you are anxious), 'uncontrollably' (when you cannot stop), or 'bitterly' (when the laughter is mixed with anger or disappointment). These adverbs provide essential color to your descriptions. For instance, 'She laughed nervously during the interview' tells a very different story than 'She laughed heartily during the interview.' In more advanced usage, 'laugh' can be part of phrasal verbs like 'laugh off.' To 'laugh something off' means to treat a serious or embarrassing situation as if it is not important by joking about it.

Despite the criticism, the artist laughed off the negative reviews.

The verb also appears in various idiomatic structures. 'To make someone laugh' is a common causative construction. 'The movie really made me laugh' is a standard way to express that you found a film funny. You can also 'burst out laughing,' which describes a sudden, spontaneous explosion of laughter. In terms of tense, 'laugh' is a regular verb: laugh, laughed, laughed. When using the continuous form 'laughing,' it often describes an ongoing state or a background action: 'We were laughing so much that we didn't hear the door open.' It can also function as a gerund: 'Laughing is good for your health.'

In more formal or literary contexts, 'laugh' can be used transitively in specific idioms, such as 'to laugh someone out of court' (to dismiss a legal case as ridiculous) or 'to laugh oneself silly' (to laugh until one feels foolish or exhausted). However, for A2-B1 learners, focusing on the 'laugh at' and 'laugh with' patterns is the most effective way to gain fluency. Pay attention to the subject-verb agreement as well: 'He laughs' vs. 'They laugh.' Because it is a short, common word, it is often used in dialogue to indicate a character's reaction without needing long descriptive passages.

If you laugh at your own mistakes, others will find it easier to work with you.

Common Pattern: [Subject] + [laugh] + [at] + [Object]: 'The audience laughed at the joke.'

Stop laughing and help me pick up these papers!

We laughed until our sides ached.

Continuous Form: Used for ongoing amusement: 'Why are you laughing?'

She laughs every time she sees that cartoon.

You will encounter the word laugh in almost every corner of English-speaking life. In entertainment, it is a staple of sitcoms, where 'laugh tracks' (recorded laughter) are used to signal to the audience when a joke has occurred. Stand-up comedians frequently use the word when interacting with their audience, asking, 'Are you guys laughing?' or 'I didn't hear you laugh at that one.' In movies, scripts often include the direction '[laughs]' to tell an actor how to react. On social media, the concept of laughter is omnipresent, from 'reaction videos' where people laugh at viral clips to the use of 'LOL' and 'LMAO' in text messages and comments.

Media & Entertainment: Sitcoms, comedy specials, and viral videos are the primary places you'll hear and see this word used.

In daily conversation, 'laugh' is used to describe social interactions. You might hear someone say, 'We had a good laugh about it later,' which means they found a past situation funny in retrospect. In workplaces, laughter is often discussed in the context of office culture and team building. A manager might say, 'It's important that we can still laugh together when things get stressful.' In educational settings, teachers might tell students, 'Don't laugh at your classmates,' emphasizing the importance of respect. You'll also hear it in news reports or podcasts when discussing human interest stories or psychological health, often citing the phrase 'laughter is the best medicine.'

In the podcast, the host laughed as he recounted his travel mishaps.

Literature is another rich source. Authors use 'laugh' to convey tone and character. A 'dry laugh' might suggest cynicism, while a 'musical laugh' suggests charm. In children's books, 'laugh' is one of the first verbs introduced because it is so relatable. You'll see it in phrases like 'The little dog laughed to see such sport.' In music, many songs feature the word 'laugh' in their lyrics to evoke feelings of happiness or irony. From classic rock to modern pop, the act of laughing is a frequent theme. Even in sports commentary, you might hear a commentator say, 'The coach is laughing now,' after a risky play pays off unexpectedly.

Finally, you'll hear 'laugh' in various idiomatic expressions in casual speech. 'Don't make me laugh' is a common way to tell someone that what they just said is ridiculous or impossible. 'You'll laugh about this one day' is a comforting phrase used when someone is going through a minor but embarrassing problem. In the digital age, the 'laughing emoji' is the most used emoji worldwide, showing just how central the concept of laughing is to our communication. Whether you're watching a late-night talk show or chatting with a neighbor, 'laugh' is a word that connects people through the shared recognition of humor.

The audience laughed so hard they almost fell out of their seats.

Everyday Idioms: 'Don't make me laugh' and 'having a laugh' are common phrases in spoken English.

I heard him laugh for the first time in weeks.

He laughs like his father used to.

Professional Use: In psychology, 'laugh' is used to describe a therapeutic release of tension.

The movie was so funny, I laughed the whole way through.

One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make with laugh is confusing it with the noun 'laughter'. While they are related, 'laugh' is the action (verb) or a single instance of that action (countable noun), whereas 'laughter' is the general sound or concept (uncountable noun). You would say, 'I heard a laugh' (one sound) or 'I heard laughter' (the general sound of people laughing), but you cannot say 'I heard a laughter.' Another common error is using the wrong preposition. As mentioned before, you laugh *at* something. Learners often mistakenly say 'laugh of' or 'laugh about' when they mean they are finding something funny in the moment. 'Laugh about' is usually used for reflecting on a past event: 'We will laugh about this later.'

Laugh vs. Smile: A 'smile' is silent and involves only the mouth/face. A 'laugh' involves sound and breathing.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'laughing at' and 'laughing with'. This is not just a grammatical mistake but a social one. If you say, 'I laughed at my friend,' it often implies you were mocking them or finding their misfortune funny. If you say, 'I laughed with my friend,' it implies you were both enjoying a joke together. Learners should be careful with this distinction to avoid sounding rude. Additionally, the pronunciation of 'laugh' can be tricky. The 'gh' at the end is pronounced like an 'f', and the vowel sound is often a short 'a' /æ/ or a broad 'a' /ɑː/ depending on the dialect. It should never be pronounced with a 'g' sound at the end.

Incorrect: He laughed to the joke.
Correct: He laughed at the joke.

Spelling is another common pitfall. The combination 'augh' is unusual in English and can lead to misspellings like 'laf' or 'lough'. It's helpful to remember that 'laugh' rhymes with 'graph' (in some accents) or 'staff', but the spelling is unique. In writing, learners sometimes forget the 'ed' for the past tense, saying 'Yesterday he laugh' instead of 'Yesterday he laughed.' Since 'laugh' is a regular verb, it must follow standard conjugation rules. Finally, be aware of the intensity. Using 'laugh' when someone only 'smiled' can exaggerate the situation. If someone just turned up the corners of their mouth, they didn't laugh; they smiled. Using the right word helps you be more precise in your descriptions.

In formal writing, overusing 'laugh' can make your prose seem repetitive. Instead of saying 'He laughed' every time someone finds something funny, try using more specific verbs like 'chuckled' or 'smirked' (though be careful, as 'smirk' has a negative connotation). Also, avoid using 'laugh' as a synonym for 'funny'. You can say 'The joke was funny' or 'The joke made me laugh,' but you cannot say 'The joke was laugh.' This confusion between adjectives and verbs is a common hurdle for A2 level students. By keeping these points in mind, you can use 'laugh' more accurately and naturally in both speech and writing.

Incorrect: I had a big laughter.
Correct: I had a big laugh.

Grammar Check: 'Laugh' is a verb. 'Funny' is an adjective. Don't mix them up!

Incorrect: She is laughing of me.
Correct: She is laughing at me.

Incorrect: We laughed with the movie.
Correct: We laughed at the movie.

Tense Error: Don't forget the 'ed' for past tense: 'He laughed yesterday.'

Incorrect: Stop laugh!
Correct: Stop laughing!

While laugh is the most common word for expressing amusement, English has a rich vocabulary for different types of laughter. Choosing the right synonym can make your English sound more natural and descriptive. For example, a 'giggle' is a light, silly laugh, often associated with children or being nervous. A 'chuckle' is a quiet, internal laugh, often showing that someone is amused but not overwhelmed. On the other end of the spectrum, a 'guffaw' is a loud, boisterous, and sometimes sudden laugh. If someone laughs in a mean or mocking way, we might say they 'sneer' or 'snicker'.

Giggle vs. Chuckle: A giggle is high-pitched and silly; a chuckle is low-pitched and gentle.

Other alternatives include 'titter', which is a nervous or suppressed laugh, often heard in formal situations where laughter might be inappropriate. 'Cackle' is a loud, harsh laugh, often compared to the sound a hen makes (or a stereotypical witch). 'Chortle' is a wonderful word that combines a chuckle and a snort, popularized by Lewis Carroll. When someone laughs so hard they can't stop, we might say they are 'howling' or 'roaring' with laughter. These words evoke strong imagery and help the listener understand the intensity of the emotion. For instance, 'The audience roared' suggests a much more powerful reaction than 'The audience laughed.'

Instead of just laughing, he let out a loud guffaw that echoed through the hall.

In terms of phrasal alternatives, you can use 'crack up' in informal settings. 'He really cracks me up' means 'He makes me laugh a lot.' You can also 'burst into laughter' or 'break into a laugh.' If you are trying to hide your laughter, you might 'stifle a laugh' or 'smother a giggle.' These nuances are important for B2 and C1 levels. Even at the A2 level, knowing that 'giggle' is for kids and 'laugh' is for everyone is a great start. It's also worth noting the difference between 'laugh' and 'smile' again, as they are often paired but represent different levels of amusement. A smile is the foundation, and a laugh is the building on top of it.

Finally, consider the register. 'Laugh' is neutral and can be used anywhere. 'Guffaw' is more descriptive and informal. 'Deride' or 'ridicule' are formal verbs that mean to laugh at someone in a cruel way. By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'laugh,' you can express a wider range of human emotions and reactions. Whether you're describing a 'hearty laugh' or a 'wicked cackle,' the right word will help your audience visualize the scene more clearly. Remember to check the connotations of these words, as some (like 'snicker') can imply a lack of respect, while others (like 'beam'—though it's more about smiling) imply pure joy.

The children giggled in the back of the classroom.

Intensity Scale: Smile < Chuckle < Laugh < Guffaw < Roar

He chortled at the clever wordplay in the poem.

She couldn't help but snicker when the pompous man tripped.

Formal Alternatives: Use 'express amusement' or 'react with mirth' in very formal academic writing.

The old man cackled as he told his spooky story.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The committee expressed amusement and laughed at the irony of the situation."

Neutral

"They laughed when they heard the news."

Informal

"We were totally cracking up and laughing our heads off."

Child friendly

"The funny clown made all the children laugh!"

Slang

"I was dead, just laughing so hard."

Fun Fact

The word is onomatopoeic in origin, meant to mimic the sound of the action itself.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lɑːf/

US /læf/

Single syllable word, no complex stress pattern.

Rhymes With

staff graph half calf giraffe behalf epitaph paragraph

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'gh' as a 'g' sound.
Making the 'gh' silent (like in 'though').
Confusing the vowel sound with 'low' or 'log'.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' sound.
Forgetting the 'f' sound entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

The spelling 'augh' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

The 'f' sound at the end needs to be practiced.

Listening 1/5

The sound of laughter often accompanies the word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

smile happy funny sound joke

Learn Next

giggle chuckle humor amused ridiculous

Advanced

mirth guffaw derision hilarity facetious

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'at'

You laugh AT something, not TO something.

Regular Verb Conjugation

I laugh, he laughs, we laughed, they are laughing.

Causative 'Make'

The joke MADE me laugh.

Gerund as Subject

LAUGHING is the best way to relax.

Adverb Placement

He laughed HEARTILY (after the verb).

Examples by Level

I laugh at the funny cat.

Je ris du chat drôle.

Present simple, first person.

She laughs a lot.

Elle rit beaucoup.

Third person 's' added.

Do you laugh at jokes?

Ris-tu aux blagues ?

Question form with 'do'.

We laughed yesterday.

Nous avons ri hier.

Past simple '-ed'.

The baby is laughing.

Le bébé rit.

Present continuous.

Don't laugh!

Ne ris pas !

Imperative negative.

He didn't laugh.

Il n'a pas ri.

Past simple negative.

They laugh together.

Ils rient ensemble.

Present simple, plural.

The movie made me laugh so hard.

Le film m'a fait tellement rire.

Causative 'make someone laugh'.

Why are you laughing at me?

Pourquoi ris-tu de moi ?

Present continuous with 'at'.

She laughed when she saw the gift.

Elle a ri quand elle a vu le cadeau.

Complex sentence with 'when'.

It is good to laugh every day.

C'est bien de rire tous les jours.

Infinitive after 'it is good to'.

We were laughing all night.

Nous avons ri toute la nuit.

Past continuous.

He laughs like a famous actor.

Il rit comme un acteur célèbre.

Comparison with 'like'.

I can't stop laughing!

Je ne peux pas m'arrêter de rire !

Modal 'can't' + stop + gerund.

Everyone laughed at the end of the play.

Tout le monde a ri à la fin de la pièce.

Past simple with prepositional phrase.

She laughed nervously during the presentation.

Elle a ri nerveusement pendant la présentation.

Adverbial modification.

He tried to laugh off the embarrassing moment.

Il a essayé de dédramatiser le moment embarrassant en riant.

Phrasal verb 'laugh off'.

They burst out laughing as soon as he walked in.

Ils ont éclaté de rire dès qu'il est entré.

Idiom 'burst out laughing'.

It’s hard not to laugh when someone tickles you.

C'est dur de ne pas rire quand quelqu'un vous chatouille.

Double negative 'hard not to'.

We had a good laugh about the misunderstanding later.

Nous en avons bien ri plus tard.

Noun use in 'have a laugh'.

The comedian knows exactly how to make people laugh.

Le comédien sait exactement comment faire rire les gens.

Infinitive phrase.

She laughed until tears came to her eyes.

Elle a ri jusqu'à ce que les larmes lui montent aux yeux.

Conjunction 'until'.

He laughed at the idea of retiring so early.

Il a ri à l'idée de prendre sa retraite si tôt.

Prepositional object.

The proposal was so ridiculous that we all laughed.

La proposition était si ridicule que nous avons tous ri.

Result clause 'so... that'.

He laughed heartily, his voice booming through the room.

Il a ri de bon cœur, sa voix résonnant dans la pièce.

Participle phrase 'his voice booming'.

She managed to laugh despite the difficult circumstances.

Elle a réussi à rire malgré les circonstances difficiles.

Preposition 'despite'.

They were laughing their heads off at the sitcom.

Ils riaient comme des bossus devant la sitcom.

Idiom 'laugh one's head off'.

The critic laughed the movie out of court.

Le critique a tourné le film en dérision.

Idiom 'laugh out of court'.

He laughed in the face of danger, showing no fear.

Il a ri au nez du danger, ne montrant aucune peur.

Metaphorical use.

I couldn't help laughing at his silly expression.

Je n'ai pas pu m'empêcher de rire de son expression idiote.

Gerund after 'couldn't help'.

She laughed to herself as she remembered the joke.

Elle a ri intérieurement en se souvenant de la blague.

Reflexive 'laugh to oneself'.

The satire was so biting that one didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

La satire était si mordante qu'on ne savait pas s'il fallait en rire ou en pleurer.

Parallel structure 'laugh or cry'.

He laughed off the accusations as mere political theater.

Il a balayé les accusations d'un rire, les qualifiant de simple théâtre politique.

Phrasal verb with complex object.

The audience erupted in laughter, though some only laughed politely.

Le public a éclaté de rire, bien que certains n'aient ri que par politesse.

Concessive clause 'though'.

It’s easy to laugh at the past when you’ve moved on.

Il est facile de rire du passé quand on a tourné la page.

Infinitive subject.

She laughed a dry, mirthless laugh that chilled the room.

Elle a poussé un rire sec et sans joie qui a jeté un froid dans la pièce.

Cognate object 'laughed a laugh'.

He who laughs last, laughs best, as the old saying goes.

Rira bien qui rira le dernier, comme dit le proverbe.

Proverbial structure.

The absurdity of the situation made him laugh in spite of himself.

L'absurdité de la situation l'a fait rire malgré lui.

Prepositional phrase 'in spite of'.

They laughed the project into oblivion with their constant mockery.

Ils ont enterré le projet sous leurs moqueries incessantes.

Resultative construction.

The sheer audacity of his claim was enough to make the entire board laugh.

L'audace pure de sa prétention a suffi à faire rire tout le conseil d'administration.

Complex subject.

She laughed a hollow laugh, realizing the futility of her efforts.

Elle a eu un rire creux, réalisant l'inutilité de ses efforts.

Descriptive cognate object.

The play invites us to laugh at our own existential dread.

La pièce nous invite à rire de notre propre angoisse existentielle.

Abstract object.

He laughed uproariously, his mirth infectious to all present.

Il a ri bruyamment, sa gaieté étant communicative pour toutes les personnes présentes.

Absolute construction.

To laugh is to remain human in the face of inhumanity.

Rire, c'est rester humain face à l'inhumanité.

Infinitive as subject and complement.

The irony was not lost on him, and he laughed a bitter, knowing laugh.

L'ironie ne lui a pas échappé, et il a eu un rire amer et entendu.

Compound sentence with rich adjectives.

They laughed the tyrant to scorn, undermining his authority with wit.

Ils ont tourné le tyran en dérision, sapant son autorité par l'esprit.

Idiomatic resultative.

Laughter, he argued, was the only rational response to such chaos.

Le rire, soutenait-il, était la seule réponse rationnelle à un tel chaos.

Parenthetical insertion.

Common Collocations

laugh heartily

laugh uncontrollably

make someone laugh

laugh out loud

laugh nervously

burst out laughing

laugh at yourself

laugh in the face of

stifle a laugh

a good laugh

Common Phrases

laughing stock

— A person or thing that everyone mocks or finds ridiculous.

He became the laughing stock of the school after the incident.

laugh all the way to the bank

— To make a lot of money very easily, often from something others criticized.

The movie was hated by critics, but the producers are laughing all the way to the bank.

don't make me laugh

— Used to say that something is completely ridiculous or impossible.

You, a professional athlete? Don't make me laugh!

laughing matter

— Something serious that should not be joked about.

Climate change is no laughing matter.

have the last laugh

— To succeed in the end after others have doubted or mocked you.

They said I would fail, but I had the last laugh when I got the job.

laugh in someone's face

— To show total lack of respect by laughing when someone is being serious.

I asked for a raise and my boss just laughed in my face.

laugh off

— To dismiss something as unimportant by joking about it.

She laughed off the rumors about her resignation.

laugh your head off

— To laugh very loudly and for a long time.

We laughed our heads off at his imitation of the teacher.

for a laugh

— Doing something just for fun or amusement.

We went to the karaoke bar just for a laugh.

laughing on the inside

— Finding something funny but not showing it outwardly.

I was laughing on the inside, but I kept a straight face.

Often Confused With

laugh vs smile

A smile is silent; a laugh involves sound.

laugh vs laughter

Laugh is the verb/countable noun; laughter is the uncountable noun.

laugh vs funny

Funny is an adjective (the cause); laugh is the verb (the reaction).

Idioms & Expressions

"He who laughs last, laughs best"

— The person who is successful at the end of a situation is the true winner.

They mocked my idea, but it became a hit. He who laughs last, laughs best.

proverbial

"Laugh up one's sleeve"

— To be secretly amused at something, often at someone else's expense.

He was laughing up his sleeve as his rival made a fool of himself.

idiomatic

"Laugh someone out of court"

— To dismiss a claim or idea as being completely ridiculous.

The judge laughed the frivolous lawsuit out of court.

legal/formal

"Laugh to the gills"

— To laugh extremely hard (less common, variant of 'laugh one's head off').

The comedy show had us laughing to the gills.

informal

"A barrel of laughs"

— A person or situation that is very funny or enjoyable.

The party was a barrel of laughs from start to finish.

informal

"Laugh yourself silly"

— To laugh so much that you feel weak or foolish.

The kids laughed themselves silly playing with the hose.

informal

"No laughing matter"

— A very serious situation that should be treated with respect.

The safety violations are no laughing matter.

neutral

"Laugh in the face of danger"

— To be brave and undeterred by risky situations.

The explorers laughed in the face of danger as they entered the cave.

literary

"Laugh like a drain"

— To laugh very loudly (British English).

He told a joke and started laughing like a drain.

informal/British

"Die laughing"

— To laugh extremely hard (hyperbole).

I almost died laughing when I saw his costume.

slang

Easily Confused

laugh vs giggle

Both involve laughing.

Giggle is high-pitched and often for children or nervousness.

The kids giggled at the puppy.

laugh vs chuckle

Both involve laughing.

Chuckle is quiet and often internal.

He chuckled at the memory.

laugh vs smirk

Both are facial expressions of amusement.

Smirk is a smug or mean smile, usually without sound.

He smirked when he won the argument.

laugh vs guffaw

Both involve laughing.

Guffaw is much louder and more sudden than a normal laugh.

A loud guffaw came from the back of the room.

laugh vs snicker

Both involve laughing.

Snicker is often disrespectful or suppressed.

They snickered at his mistake.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + laugh.

I laugh.

Subject + laugh + at + object.

She laughs at the cat.

Subject + is/are + laughing.

They are laughing.

Subject + made + object + laugh.

He made me laugh.

Subject + laughed + adverb.

We laughed loudly.

Subject + burst out + laughing.

I burst out laughing.

Subject + laughed + off + object.

She laughed off the mistake.

Subject + laughed + a + adjective + laugh.

He laughed a bitter laugh.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; one of the top 1000 words in English.

Common Mistakes

I laugh to the movie. → I laugh at the movie.
The verb 'laugh' requires the preposition 'at' when referring to the cause of amusement.
He is very laugh. → He is very funny.
'Laugh' is a verb, while 'funny' is the adjective used to describe someone who causes laughter.
I heard a laughter. → I heard a laugh. / I heard laughter.
'Laughter' is uncountable and cannot take the article 'a'. 'Laugh' as a noun is countable.
She laughed of me. → She laughed at me.
'Of' is not used with 'laugh' to indicate the object of the laughter.
Yesterday he laugh. → Yesterday he laughed.
Don't forget the '-ed' ending for the past tense of regular verbs.

Tips

The 'F' Sound

Always remember the 'f' sound at the end. Practice saying 'laf' until it feels natural.

Preposition 'At'

Associate 'laugh' with 'at'. Create a mental link: Laugh -> At -> Joke.

Use Synonyms

Try using 'giggle' for kids and 'chuckle' for quiet moments to sound more like a native speaker.

Laugh With, Not At

In social situations, use 'laugh with' to show you are being friendly.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'He was happy,' say 'He laughed heartily' to show the emotion.

Laugh Off Mistakes

Use the phrasal verb 'laugh off' when talking about handling small errors.

Context Clues

If you hear a sound like 'f' after a vowel, and people are happy, it's probably 'laugh'.

A-U-G-H

Remember the spelling by thinking of 'A'musing 'U'nder 'G'reat 'H'appiness.

Laugh vs. Funny

Remember: You *are* funny, but you *do* a laugh.

Universal Language

Laughter is understood everywhere, even if you don't know the local language!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

L-A-U-G-H: Loudly Amused Under Great Happiness. Think of the 'gh' as a 'Grin and Ha-ha!'.

Visual Association

Imagine a big yellow smiley face with its mouth open, making an 'F' sound.

Word Web

smile joke funny giggle happy comedy friend voice

Challenge

Try to use 'laugh' in three different tenses (past, present, future) in one short paragraph about a movie.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'hliehhan', which has Proto-Germanic roots.

Original meaning: To laugh, mock, or rejoice.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to 'laugh at' people's cultural differences or personal struggles, as this is considered offensive.

In many English-speaking countries, self-deprecating humor (laughing at yourself) is very common and valued.

The Joker's laugh in Batman The 'Laughing Cavalier' painting The phrase 'Laughter is the best medicine'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Watching a comedy

That's hilarious!
I can't stop laughing.
He's so funny.
Did you see that?

With friends

We had such a laugh.
You're making me laugh.
Stop it, I'm laughing too much.
It's a joke!

At work

We need a good laugh.
Laughing off the stress.
A polite laugh.
Don't laugh at the boss.

In a story

He laughed loudly.
A cold laugh.
She laughed to herself.
The room filled with laughter.

Social Media

LOL
LMAO
I'm screaming
Laughing emoji

Conversation Starters

"What was the last movie that made you laugh really hard?"

"Do you think it's important to be able to laugh at yourself?"

"Who is the person in your life that always makes you laugh?"

"Tell me about a time you couldn't stop laughing in a serious place."

"Do you prefer a quiet chuckle or a loud guffaw?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt. What happened?

Describe the sound of your best friend's laugh. Why is it unique?

Is there anything that you find funny but others don't? Why do you laugh at it?

Reflect on a situation where you laughed to hide your nervousness.

How does laughing change your mood when you are having a bad day?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is. The past tense and past participle are both 'laughed'.

'Laugh at' usually means you are mocking someone, while 'laugh with' means you are sharing the humor together.

It is pronounced like the letter 'f'. Think of the word 'staff'.

Yes, it can. For example: 'He gave a loud laugh.' It is a countable noun.

It means to treat something serious as if it is not important by joking about it.

'Laugh' is the verb or a single instance of laughing. 'Laughter' is the general, uncountable noun for the sound.

It is a person that everyone ridicules or finds funny in a bad way.

No, the correct preposition is 'at'. You should say 'I am laughing at the joke'.

It is an exercise where people laugh on purpose to reduce stress and improve health.

It stands for 'Laugh Out Loud', used commonly in text messages.