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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
A ball of joy
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"a ball of joy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You could use it to describe a situation that brings a large amount of happiness to someone. For example, "When she received the acceptance letter, a ball of joy filled her heart."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
"She's just a ball of joy all the time," Mr. Kiev said.
News & Media
At his best moments, he was the personification of creativity, a ball of joy that pulled his team together.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Sunday night headliners the Village People were a ball of pure joy.
News & Media
I'm worried about Lewis because I want to remember him the way I do right now, as a ball of insane joy.
News & Media
She was a big ball of joy".
News & Media
And the face -- a tight ball of joy.
News & Media
Unequivocally cause for a bowling ball of joy rolling into the archives is that Inside Out is now over the $700m threshold and displaying unquenchable longevity: its holds are consistently strong almost everywhere, of the like you rarely see from popcorn fodder.
News & Media
A magical ball of joy?
News & Media
But, as far as dogs go, he's an amazing little marshmallowy ball of joy.
News & Media
Nadia -- a bright, energetic, squirmy, quirky, clingy ball of joy!
News & Media
The child Krishna (Balakrishna) is depicted crawling on his hands and knees or dancing with joy, a ball of butter held in his hands.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "a ball of joy" to describe someone or something that radiates happiness and positivity. For example, a puppy can be described as "a ball of joy" because of its playful and energetic nature.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "a ball of joy" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "a source of delight" or "an embodiment of happiness" to maintain a professional tone.
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "a ball of joy" is to act as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or an appositive, describing a person, thing, or situation that evokes strong feelings of happiness. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.
Expression frequency: Uncommon
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Wiki
19%
Academia
7%
⚠ Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Science
2%
Formal & Business
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a ball of joy" is a noun phrase used to describe something that brings great happiness and positivity. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in written English. While appropriate in informal contexts, it might be too casual for formal writing, where synonyms like "a source of delight" may be more suitable. The phrase appears with more frequency in news, media, and wiki-type contexts. Understanding its communicative purpose and register allows for more effective and appropriate use in various writing situations.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a bundle of happiness
Emphasizes the concentration and containment of happiness.
a fountain of joy
Suggests a continuous and abundant outpouring of happiness.
a source of delight
Focuses on the origin of happiness, rather than the embodied joy itself.
a wellspring of happiness
Implies a deep and inexhaustible source of joy.
a cheerful presence
Focuses on the positive impact of someone's being.
a ray of sunshine
Highlights the illuminating and warming effect of joy.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "a ball of joy" in a sentence?
You can use "a ball of joy" to describe someone or something that brings immense happiness and positivity. For example, "My new puppy is truly "a ball of joy", always making me laugh."
What are some alternatives to "a ball of joy"?
Alternatives to "a ball of joy" include "a source of delight", "a bundle of happiness", or "a ray of sunshine", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "a ball of joy" suitable for formal writing?
While "a ball of joy" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, it may be too casual for formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "an embodiment of glee" or "a fountain of joy" in formal settings.
What's the difference between "a ball of joy" and "a ball of energy"?
"A ball of joy" describes someone or something that brings happiness, while "a ball of energy" describes someone or something that is full of vitality and activity. Although someone who is a ball of energy can be a source of joy, the two phrases emphasize different qualities.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested