a sharp cry of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp cry of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, loud, and piercing sound made by a person or animal, often indicating distress or alarm. Example: "She let out a sharp cry of surprise when she saw the snake slithering across her path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Diana let out a sharp cry of lament.

The New Yorker

Moving the joint elicited a sharp cry of pain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Saddened, he kills the direwolf, who utters a sharp cry of pain.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He had a look of surprise, but he immediately understood and let out a sharp cry.

The Guardian

He gazed through the glass at us and gave a sharp cry.

The New Yorker

Not thirty minutes later, I heard a sharp cry in the stairwell.

The New Yorker

Mr. Dooley's New York was a caricature where rich people ruled and cops were corrupt: "The sharp cries of the hawkers of green goods and gold bricks rises above the laughter of the white garbed street sweeper when the millionaire's automobile runs over his foot," the Second City philosopher said.

The New York Times

There's no blaring music, no sharp cries of victory; all you hear is the rustle of clothing, a hushed conversation, the occasional thump on a table – subtle signs of fortunes made and lost.

The Guardian - Business

The sharp cries of gulls wheeling above the East River dockswelcomed the handsome young Frenchman to America.

The New York Times - Books

And you would have gone on record as saying that it was vulgar, and dismissed it with sharp cries of loathing".

The New Yorker

While the dusky sparrow took it on the chin as Florida was developed, it's safe to say that gulls have greeted every new landfill with the same sharp cries of delight you can hear on the beach when someone drops a cheese puff.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp cry of" to vividly depict moments of pain, surprise, or distress, enhancing the emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp cry of" excessively in your narrative, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Vary your descriptions of sounds and expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

A sharp cry of functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a noun phrase within a sentence. It describes a specific type of vocalization, emphasizing its intensity and suddenness. Ludwig AI shows that it is often associated with pain, lament or surprise.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp cry of" is a descriptive phrase used to depict a sudden and intense vocalization, often associated with pain, surprise, or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, its usage remains relatively rare. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives such as "a piercing scream" or "a sudden shriek". By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "a sharp cry of" to enhance the emotional impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piercing cry of

Swaps "sharp" with "piercing" retaining structure.

a sudden scream of

Explicit variation using "scream" as opposed to "cry".

an acute shriek of

Emphasizes a sudden, piercing sound made by a person or animal, often indicating distress or alarm.

a piercing scream

Focuses on the high-pitched and penetrating quality of the sound.

a sudden shriek

Emphasizes the abrupt and startling nature of the cry.

a sudden shout of

Highlights the abrupt and intense vocalization, differentiating between "cry" and "shout".

a piercing wail

Highlights the mournful or sorrowful quality of the cry.

a sharp yelp

Suggests a short, high-pitched cry, often from pain or surprise.

a sudden outcry

Indicates a public expression of strong disapproval or protest.

a piercing call

Emphasizes audibility over great distances.

FAQs

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

Use "a sharp cry of" to describe a sudden, piercing sound, often indicating pain, surprise, or fear. For example, "She emitted "a sharp cry of" pain when she stubbed her toe".

What's a good alternative to "a sharp cry of"?

Alternatives include "a piercing scream", "a sudden shriek", or "a piercing wail", depending on the specific emotion or sound you want to convey.

Is "a sharp cry of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a sharp cry of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a sudden, intense vocalization.

What does "a sharp cry of" typically indicate?

"A sharp cry of" typically indicates a sudden, intense feeling or experience, such as pain, fear, surprise, or grief, expressed through a loud, piercing sound.