Laugh at many of his jokes

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Angliholic

#485950 Fri, 07 Mar 08 08:28 AM

This comedian wasn't very funny. I didn't laugh at many of his jokes.

Hi,

I don't think "at" in the above is equal to its counterpart in "Don't laugh at me." If I am right, then what does "at' in the above refer to? Thanks.

Joined on Wed, Feb 14 2007

SomewhereinFormosa

Veteran Member (5,556)

Without true love, life is meaningless and worthless since our physical world is nothing but a dream. ~~Angliholic~~簡瑞達

Cool Breeze

#485952 Fri, 07 Mar 08 08:31 AM

You are wrong. Laugh needs a preposition and one laughs at somebody or something.

Joined on Fri, Apr 7 2006

Helsinki, Finland

Senior Member (3,006)

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CalifJim

#485953 Fri, 07 Mar 08 08:36 AM

Technically, at doesn't refer to anything. at is not a referring expression. Generally, only nouns and pronouns can refer.

Nevertheless, I understand what you're saying.

Here at means 'upon hearing' or 'when I heard' or 'as I heard' or 'in reaction to' or 'as a reaction to'.

I didn't laugh upon hearing many of his jokes.

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (17,792)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche