a cry for help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cry for help" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is expressing a need for assistance or support, often in a desperate or urgent manner. Example: "After weeks of isolation, her sudden outburst was a clear cry for help that her friends could no longer ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sure sounds like a cry for help.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

It is a cry for help.

The Economist

Is that a cry for help?

The New York Times

It's more like a cry for help.

Harvard Business Review

This is ultimately a cry for help".

The Guardian

Captain Mallery heard a cry for help.

The New York Times

This is a cry for help.

The Washington Post

Now it's a cry for help.

The New York Times - Books

Was it a cry for help?

The Guardian - Music

I say, a cry for help".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and register of your writing. While "a cry for help" can be used in various contexts, it's important to adjust the surrounding language to match the overall formality.

Common error

While "a cry for help" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional documents. Alternatives like "a request for assistance" or "an urgent appeal" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cry for help" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes an expression of a need for assistance, support, or intervention. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is indeed valid and can be used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cry for help" is a commonly used phrase to describe an urgent and often desperate plea for assistance. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase, supported by many examples from diverse sources, primarily news and media. When it comes to writing guidance, it's important to ensure that the use of "a cry for help" aligns with the intended tone and register of your writing. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "a plea for assistance" or "a request for intervention". The phrase is most frequently found in news and media outlets, reflecting its role in conveying urgent needs across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plea for assistance

Replaces "cry" with "plea" and "help" with "assistance", making it slightly more formal.

a call for aid

Substitutes "cry" with "call" and "help" with "aid", creating a more direct request.

a shout for assistance

Replaces "cry" with "shout", emphasizing the act of vocally seeking help

a desperate appeal

Emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the request.

a signal for support

Focuses on the act of signalling or indicating the need for support.

a request for intervention

Suggests a need for external involvement to resolve a situation.

an urgent solicitation

Uses more formal language to convey the immediacy of the need.

a beckoning for help

Uses the word 'beckoning', implying a non-verbal invitation or call for assistance.

a wounded exclamation

Emphasizes that the cry comes from someone with deep personal wounds that need tending.

a demand for rescue

Directly states the need for rescue, indicating a dangerous or critical situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cry for help" to describe a desperate plea or urgent request for assistance. For example, "The company's financial struggles were a clear "a cry for help" to its investors".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a plea for assistance", "a call for aid", or "a desperate appeal".

When is it appropriate to use "a cry for help"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where someone is urgently seeking assistance or support, often in a desperate or emotional manner. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in some situations.

What's the difference between "a cry for help" and "a request for assistance"?

"A cry for help" implies a sense of urgency and desperation, whereas "a request for assistance" is more neutral and formal. The former suggests a more emotional and immediate need.