a wail arose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wail arose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, loud cry or lamentation that emerges in a particular context, often evoking strong emotions. Example: "As the news of the tragedy spread, a wail arose from the crowd, echoing the collective grief of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Down the hallway of the hospital, a wail arose.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then an extraordinary wail arose, and bewildering fear came over the Danes.

The Guardian - Books

[Updated July 26 , 2014]–Wails arose and the stench of death hung in the air as scores of bodies were pulled from the under rubble where they had lain for days.

Los Angeles Times

If forced to reply, however, I would say that I will shock readers who seek entertainment in literature and not truth, because the literary search for truth is a wail that always arises from pain.

The Guardian - Books

From within the compound, a shrieking, wailing sound arose as the women and teenage girls in the family, living in the seclusion that is common for the women in tribal Afghanistan, learned that Americans were outside.

The New York Times

A storm arose.

The New Yorker

Then a murmur arose.

Vice

Then, a problem arose.

Huffington Post

Then a backlash arose.

Huffington Post

And then a wail.

The Guardian - Opinion

A wail goes up.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wail arose" to create a dramatic or mournful tone, often in situations involving loss, grief, or intense emotional distress.

Common error

Avoid using "a wail arose" in contexts that are not inherently dramatic or sorrowful. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the intensity of emotion warrants such strong language; otherwise, it can sound melodramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wail arose" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to depict a scene filled with sudden and intense grief or sorrow. It emphasizes the auditory manifestation of deep emotional distress. Ludwig examples show its use in describing reactions to tragic news or painful situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A wail arose" is a phrase used to describe the sudden and intense outbreak of mournful crying, most commonly in situations filled with grief or tragedy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Its strength lies in its ability to evoke a strong emotional response, painting a vivid picture of widespread sorrow. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, Science, maintaining a formal, objective tone even as it conveys profound emotion. When writing, reserve it for contexts that warrant such strong language to avoid sounding melodramatic, and consider more neutral alternatives like "a cry emerged" or "a lament began" if appropriate. Overall, "a wail arose" is a powerful descriptor when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cry emerged

Replaces "wail" with "cry", indicating a general vocal expression of distress or pain rather than a specifically mournful one. It also reduces the dramatic effect of the original query.

a sob arose

Replaces "wail" with "sob", suggesting a quieter, more restrained expression of grief, often characterized by weeping.

a lament began

Substitutes "wail" with "lament", focusing on the expression of sorrow or grief, emphasizing the emotional aspect rather than the sound itself.

a scream erupted

Replaces "wail" with "scream", suggesting a more sudden and piercing sound, often associated with fear or shock.

a moan echoed

Changes "wail" to "moan", indicating a lower, more subdued sound of suffering or pain.

a howl resounded

Replaces "wail" with "howl", implying a prolonged and intense cry, often associated with animals or primal emotions.

anguish filled the air

Shifts focus from a specific sound to the overall atmosphere of suffering, conveying the emotional impact more directly.

sorrow took flight

Uses metaphorical language to describe the expression of grief, highlighting the release of emotion.

grief found voice

Emphasizes the articulation of sorrow, suggesting that the emotion has been given a means of expression.

despair surfaced

Focuses on the emergence of hopelessness and profound sadness, rather than the sound associated with it.

FAQs

How can I use "a wail arose" in a sentence?

Use "a wail arose" to describe a sudden, loud, and mournful cry that emerges from a person or a group of people, typically in response to tragedy or great distress. For example, "As the news spread through the village, "a wail arose" from the homes of the bereaved".

What can I say instead of "a wail arose"?

You can use alternatives like "a cry emerged", "a lament began", or "a scream erupted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a wail arose" imply about the situation?

"A wail arose" typically implies that the situation is filled with intense sorrow, grief, or despair. It suggests a collective emotional response to a tragic or deeply distressing event.

Is "a wail arose" formal or informal?

"A wail arose" is generally considered more formal and literary. While it can be used in news reporting to convey the gravity of a situation, it's less common in everyday conversation. Consider the audience and context before using it.