a cry for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cry for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong need or demand for something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The recent protests were a cry for justice and equality in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cry for freedom.

The Guardian

A cry for revenge.

The New York Times - Books

Sure sounds like a cry for help.

The New York Times

"A cry for help?" Dr. Lester asked.

The New Yorker

A Cry for Peace is very powerful.

Independent

It is a cry for help.

The Economist

Is that a cry for help?

The New York Times

A cry for fuckin' help.

The New Yorker

It's more like a cry for help.

Harvard Business Review

This is a cry for help.

The Washington Post

This is ultimately a cry for help".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cry for" to convey a sense of urgency or desperation behind a request or demand. It suggests that the need is critical and requires immediate attention.

Common error

While "a cry for" is effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "a plea for" or "a call for" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cry for" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It serves to express a strong and urgent request or demand. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, confirming its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cry for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys a strong need or urgent request. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "a plea for" or "a call for" exist, "a cry for" emphasizes the desperation or urgency behind the request. Be mindful of overuse to maintain its impact, but feel confident in using this phrase to express critical needs or demands effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A plea for

Emphasizes a humble or earnest request, often implying desperation.

A call for

Highlights a public request or announcement, often with an organized purpose.

An appeal for

Implies a formal or urgent request, often directed to a higher authority or the public.

A demand for

Stresses an insistence or entitlement to something, suggesting less flexibility.

A request for

Represents a polite or formal asking for something.

A desperate need for

Highlights the great urgency of a requirement.

A need for

Focuses on the necessity or requirement of something.

A strong desire for

Emphasizes intensity of a wish for something.

A longing for

Highlights a deep and persistent desire or yearning.

A yearning for

Implies a gentle persistent wish for something.

FAQs

How can I use "a cry for" in a sentence?

You can use "a cry for" to express an urgent need or demand, such as, "The community's response was "a cry for help" after the devastating earthquake".

What are some alternatives to saying "a cry for"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a cry for" with alternatives such as "a plea for", "a call for", or "a demand for".

Is "a cry for attention" different from "a cry for help"?

Yes, "a cry for attention" implies a desire to be noticed, while "a cry for help" indicates a need for assistance or support in a difficult situation.

When is it appropriate to use "a cry for" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider the audience and tone. In highly formal contexts, a more neutral phrase like "a request for" might be more appropriate, but "a cry for" can add emphasis when needed.