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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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A ball of joy

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The New York Times

At his best moments, he was the personification of creativity, a ball of joy that pulled his team together.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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.

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

Vice

She was a big ball of joy".

News & Media

The New York Times

And the face -- a tight ball of joy.

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.

A magical ball of joy?

News & Media

TechCrunch

But, as far as dogs go, he's an amazing little marshmallowy ball of joy.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Nadia -- a bright, energetic, squirmy, quirky, clingy ball of joy!

News & Media

HuffPost

The child Krishna (Balakrishna) is depicted crawling on his hands and knees or dancing with joy, a ball of butter held in his hands.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: