almost cried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost cried" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing an emotional moment when someone was close to shedding tears but was able to hold them back. For example, "She was so moved by his kind words that she almost cried."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I almost cried.

The New York Times

Then, I almost cried.

The New York Times

"Yesterday, I almost cried".

The New York Times - Sports

He almost cried!

The Guardian - Sport

She almost cried.

The New York Times

I almost cried with joy.

The New Yorker

"I almost cried," he said.

The New York Times

Clark almost cried with frustration.

The New York Times

"I almost cried, I was so touched.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I almost cried," she said.

The New York Times - Health

"I honestly almost cried".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost cried", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing. It's best suited for conveying personal or empathetic experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "almost cried" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem overly sentimental. Vary your descriptions of emotional responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost cried" functions as a verbal phrase, where "almost" modifies the verb "cried". It indicates an incomplete action, suggesting a strong emotional experience that stopped short of actual tears. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost cried" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a near-tearful state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider related phrases like "nearly wept" or "fought back tears" for nuanced expression. Remember to tailor your language to the specific tone and context of your writing for the best results. This expression is well-understood and effectively conveys a strong emotional reaction just shy of tears.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly wept

Emphasizes the physical action of weeping being close to happening.

fought back tears

Highlights the effort to suppress crying.

was close to tears

Similar to "on the verge of tears" but slightly less intense.

was on the verge of tears

Focuses on the proximity to crying.

had tears in my eyes

Describes the physical manifestation of emotion before crying.

my eyes welled up

Describes the filling of eyes with tears.

felt a lump in my throat

Indicates the physical sensation associated with suppressed emotion.

became emotional

A more general term for experiencing strong feelings.

was deeply moved

Emphasizes the impact of something emotionally.

felt overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being overcome by emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "almost cried" in a sentence?

You can use "almost cried" to describe a situation where someone was very close to crying due to strong emotions, such as happiness, sadness, or gratitude. For example, "I was so touched by their generosity that I "almost cried"".

What are some alternatives to "almost cried"?

Some alternatives include "nearly wept", "fought back tears", or "was on the verge of tears". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "almost cried"?

Yes, "almost cried" is grammatically correct. "Almost" is an adverb modifying the verb "cried", indicating that the action of crying was close to happening.

What does it mean when someone says they "almost cried"?

It means that the person experienced a strong emotional response that nearly resulted in them crying. It implies a high degree of emotional intensity without the person fully breaking down in tears.