a cry of delight

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cry of delight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe an expression of enthusiasm. For example: The audience responded to the show's finale with a cry of delight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was a cry of delight: The place had a garbage disposal!

The New York Times

A digger finishing preparations on "Bali" prompted a cry of delight from the toddler.

The Guardian - Travel

Robert Devecchi, the president emeritus of the I.R.C., arrived, leaning on a cane, and Ullmann gave a cry of delight.

The New Yorker

Eyes glistening, a cry of delight escaped the old veteran's lips: "Oh! Isn't this lovely, lovely?" Mr. Pettinelli fastened it to the former prisoner's left wrist.

The New York Times

He leaves just before dessert, to the sound of an omen of France's near future: "The last thing he heard from the table of Germans was a cry of delight as the liqueurs in the crepe pan were set ablaze".

The New York Times - Books

Whilst this is the case, which object of speech, be it an entreaty, a groan, a cry of delight, a curse or scream, is still the same as it was at source?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The tail went back and forth and I heard a great cry of delight.

Los Angeles Times

"Eeh" implies surprise--as in "eeh!, is that a spider crawling on your blouse?" Of course, taken together, the name Whoopi is also a cry of surprise and delight (as well as old slang for a delightful way to spend the afternoon).

Huffington Post

Of those we sampled, all made elsewhere, none elicited a cry of discovery or delight.

The New York Times

We were all mesmerized when she occasionally was caught off guard and let out a cry of laughter that delighted any room.

Huffington Post

It was a cry of contentment, a simple expression of delight, the sort of thing anyone might say, on such a day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cry of delight" to vividly depict a spontaneous and intense expression of happiness, especially in narrative writing to create a strong emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a cry of delight" in formal or academic writing, as it is more suited for descriptive or narrative contexts. Instead, opt for more neutral phrases like "expressions of joy" or "demonstrations of happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cry of delight" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific instance or type of vocal expression. The phrase encapsulates an emotion or reaction, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig's examples show the phrase depicting immediate and visceral reactions to positive stimuli.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cry of delight" is a noun phrase used to describe an expression of happiness or joy. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's grammatical correctness and suitability for expressing intense emotion. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, fitting a neutral to informal register. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for narrative and descriptive writing. Alternatives include "an exclamation of joy" or "a shout of elation", depending on the context. When using "a cry of delight", aim for contexts where a vivid portrayal of emotion is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An ecstatic cry

Replaces "delight" with "ecstatic", intensifying the feeling.

An exclamation of joy

Replaces "cry" with "exclamation", focusing on the vocal expression of happiness.

A shout of elation

Substitutes "cry" with "shout" and "delight" with "elation", emphasizing a louder expression of joy.

A joyous exclamation

Similar to "an exclamation of joy" but with a slightly different tone.

A burst of happiness

Replaces the vocal aspect with a more general expression of overwhelming joy.

A joyful shout

A simpler, more direct way to express the same sentiment.

A gleeful outburst

Emphasizes the unrestrained and joyful nature of the expression.

A whoop of pleasure

Uses a more specific and informal term for a joyful sound.

A peal of laughter

Indicates joy expressed through laughter, rather than a cry.

A gasp of excitement

Conveys the feeling of delight through a sudden intake of breath.

FAQs

What does "a cry of delight" mean?

It describes a vocal expression or shout that indicates great happiness or pleasure.

How can I use "a cry of delight" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's reaction to a positive event, for example: "When she received the acceptance letter, she let out "a cry of delight"".

What are some synonyms for "a cry of delight"?

Alternatives include "an exclamation of joy", "a shout of elation", or "a burst of happiness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a cry of delight" appropriate for formal writing?

It is generally more suitable for narrative or descriptive writing than for formal or academic contexts. In formal settings, consider using more neutral phrases such as "expressions of joy".