Meaning & use
witty expressions
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Meanings
phraseplural
Clever and amusing remarks or phrases that show quick thinking and humor.
Grammar: Countable plural; use with plural verbs, e.g., 'His witty expressions are famous.' For one, say 'a witty expression'.
Patterns
- a witty expression
- witty expressions about something
- use witty expressions
Her witty expressions during the meeting made everyone laugh.
He is known for his witty expressions and sharp comebacks.
The book is full of witty expressions that capture the author's humor.
phraseuncountable
The style or manner of using clever, humorous language.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the quality or style, e.g., 'a writer known for witty expression'.
Patterns
- witty expression in writing
- a master of witty expression
The essay is admired for its witty expression.
Her witty expression in conversation keeps everyone entertained.
Common combinations
- witty remark
- He made a witty remark about the weather.
- witty comeback
- She always has a witty comeback ready.
- witty banter
- Their witty banter kept the audience engaged.
- witty repartee
- The play is full of witty repartee.
- witty expression
- His witty expression lightened the mood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- humorous remarks
- Broader; can include any funny comments, not necessarily clever or quick.
- clever sayings
- Focuses on intelligence rather than humor; witty expressions usually combine both.
- witticisms
- More formal and often refers to memorable, witty remarks.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: witty expressions or witty expressions vs. witty sayings?
witty expressions vs witty expressions vs. witty sayings
Both are similar, but 'expressions' often refers to the actual phrases or remarks, while 'sayings' can also mean proverbs or common phrases.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
The plural 'expressions' agrees with 'are' and is used when talking about multiple remarks. Option B is singular and would need 'is'. Options C and D are grammatically incorrect because they mix a plural noun with a singular verb or vice versa.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “witty expressions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.