I feel like crying

USAGE SUMMARY

"I feel like crying" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It conveys the speaker's current emotions or state of mind, indicating that they are feeling the urge or desire to cry. This phrase can be used in various situations, such as expressing sadness, frustration, or overwhelming emotions. It can also be used to convey a physical sensation, such as having tears welling up in one's eyes. Example: "After hearing the news, I feel like crying. It's just so heartbreaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I feel like crying.

Independent

I feel like crying, too".

The New York Times

• To the Editor: I feel like crying.

The New York Times

"I feel like crying, it's so incredible".

The Guardian

"I feel angry and I feel like crying, all in one," Mr. Messing said.

The New York Times

"I feel like crying every time I look at my children".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I felt like crying.

The Guardian - Music

"I felt like crying," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I didn't feel stupid, but I felt like crying".

The New York Times

I felt like crying a lot of times today.

The Guardian

"Sometimes I felt like crying or screaming," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, this phrase can reveal a character's vulnerability or inner turmoil. Use it to create emotional depth and relatability.

Common error

Avoid using "I feel like crying" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound insincere. Reserve it for situations that warrant a strong emotional response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I feel like crying" functions as an expression of emotion, specifically indicating a strong urge or desire to cry. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to convey sadness, frustration, or overwhelming feelings in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I feel like crying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates a strong emotional response, primarily sadness or overwhelming feelings. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use spans across diverse contexts, including news, media, and personal narratives. While it's best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a strong emotional expression to avoid diluting its impact, it remains a versatile tool for conveying vulnerability and seeking empathy. Alternative phrases like "I'm on the verge of tears" or "I feel like weeping" can offer nuanced expressions of similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm on the verge of tears

Suggests a more immediate and intense emotional state, close to actually crying.

I feel like weeping

Uses a more formal term ("weeping") for crying, implying a deeper sadness.

I want to burst into tears

Emphasizes a sudden and uncontrollable urge to cry.

I could cry

A more subdued expression, indicating a potential, but not necessarily immediate, emotional release.

Tears well up in my eyes

Focuses on the physical sensation of preparing to cry.

I'm about to cry

Indicates an impending emotional release, suggesting it's likely to happen soon.

I'm fighting back tears

Highlights the effort to suppress crying, implying strong emotion.

My heart aches

Expresses the emotional pain that might lead to crying, focusing on the internal feeling.

I feel heartbroken

Indicates a deep sense of sadness and loss, a possible cause for wanting to cry.

I'm overwhelmed with sadness

Highlights the feeling of sadness, the emotional state driving the urge to cry.

FAQs

How can I use "I feel like crying" in a sentence?

You can use "I feel like crying" to express a strong emotional reaction to a situation. For example, "After losing the game, I feel like crying" or "When I saw the support I was getting, I feel like crying."

What are some alternatives to "I feel like crying"?

Some alternatives include "I'm on the verge of tears", "I feel like weeping", or "I want to burst into tears", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I feel like crying"?

Yes, "I feel like crying" is grammatically correct. The phrase "feel like" is followed by a gerund (crying) which is a verb form that functions as a noun.

What's the difference between "I feel like crying" and "I feel sad"?

"I feel sad" expresses a general state of sadness. "I feel like crying" implies a stronger, more immediate emotional response, suggesting an urge to release emotions through tears. You can be sad without feeling the need to cry, but feeling like crying often indicates a more intense sadness.