For crying out loud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For crying out loud" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express frustration or exasperation in a situation. Example: "For crying out loud, can we please just agree on a plan already?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

For crying out loud.

The New York Times

"For crying out loud!" "For Christ's sake".

The New York Times - Books

"For crying out loud, another turd?" December 8, 2016.

The New Yorker

For crying out loud, we're two days before Christmas.

The Guardian

For crying out loud, you have me under a microscope".

The Guardian - Music

For crying out loud, do you have your own moat?

The New York Times

For crying out loud, it's just a TV show.

The Guardian

"It's Abbottabad, for crying out loud.

The New York Times

Oh, for crying out loud.

The New Yorker

Like dominoes, for crying out loud.

Independent

It's called dogfish, for crying out loud!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "For crying out loud" sparingly to maintain its impact. Overuse can diminish its effectiveness and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "For crying out loud" in formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as disrespectful or overly casual. Opt for more neutral expressions like "Please reconsider" or "I find this concerning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "For crying out loud" primarily functions as an exclamatory interjection. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys strong emotions such as frustration, exasperation, or disbelief. It's used to emphasize a point or express a strong reaction to a situation, as evidenced by the examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "For crying out loud" is a common exclamatory phrase used to express frustration, exasperation, or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While it should be used sparingly and avoided in formal contexts, it is a versatile way to convey strong emotion in informal communication. Alternatives like "for goodness sake" or "for heaven's sake" can be used when a more polite expression is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

For goodness sake

A more polite and less intense alternative that still conveys frustration.

For heaven's sake

Similar to "for goodness sake" but with a slightly more emphatic tone.

Good grief

A milder expression of surprise or annoyance.

Oh my god

A more religious phrase that expresses surprise or frustration

What on earth

Emphasizes confusion or disbelief about a situation.

What in the world

Similar to "what on earth", highlighting bewilderment.

Come on

Expresses impatience or disbelief, often urging someone to do something.

Seriously

Questions the validity or sensibility of a statement or action.

Are you kidding me

Expresses disbelief or shock, often implying annoyance.

Give me a break

Indicates disbelief or exasperation, often suggesting someone is being unreasonable.

FAQs

How can I use "For crying out loud" in a sentence?

"For crying out loud" is typically used to express frustration or exasperation. For example, "For crying out loud, can you please be on time for once?"

What's a more polite way to say "For crying out loud"?

If you want to express frustration in a more polite manner, you could use phrases like "for goodness sake" or "for heaven's sake".

Is it appropriate to use "For crying out loud" in formal writing?

No, "For crying out loud" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. It's better suited for casual conversations or less formal contexts.

What is the difference between "For crying out loud" and "come on"?

While both express frustration, "For crying out loud" is a stronger, more emphatic expression. "Come on" can also be used to encourage someone or express disbelief in a milder way.