almost in tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost in tears" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is experiencing strong emotions and is close to crying. For example, "My grandfather was almost in tears as he shared stories from his childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Jennifer was almost in tears.

The New York Times

He is almost in tears.

The Guardian

"Jack was almost in tears," he said.

The New York Times

"Dressing!" I screamed, almost in tears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ms. Crispell was almost in tears.

The New York Times - Arts

Seventeen-year-old Pavan is almost in tears.

The Guardian

"I was almost in tears from how beautiful it was".

The New York Times

"I would go home each night almost in tears".

The New York Times

Almost in tears, she cried: "I couldn't get anyone else.

The Guardian

"He was almost in tears when Patrick Ewing was traded.

The New York Times

Within seconds the giddy, giggly Walsh is almost in tears.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost in tears" to effectively convey a character's vulnerability or emotional intensity in writing, making sure the context supports the strong emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "almost in tears" in situations that do not warrant a high level of emotional distress, as it can sound melodramatic or insincere. Instead, opt for milder expressions of sadness or disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost in tears" functions as a descriptive expression, typically modifying a subject (person or character) to indicate they are experiencing intense emotion close to crying. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost in tears" is a common and effective way to describe someone experiencing strong emotions, nearly to the point of crying. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in descriptive writing across various sources. While versatile, it's important to use "almost in tears" judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts that don't warrant such intense emotion. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "on the verge of tears" or "close to crying" to add subtle changes of meaning. Given its prevalent use in journalistic and narrative contexts, mastering this phrase can significantly enhance your writing's emotional depth and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of tears

Focuses on the imminence of crying, emphasizing the precarious emotional state.

close to crying

A straightforward alternative, directly stating the proximity to tears.

near tears

Similar to "close to crying" but slightly more concise.

about to cry

Emphasizes the anticipation and likelihood of tears.

practically in tears

Emphasizes how close to crying someone is, using "practically" as an intensifier.

on the brink of tears

Highlights a critical point just before crying commences.

virtually in tears

Similar to "practically in tears", indicating the situation is nearly at the point of crying.

fighting back tears

Highlights the effort to suppress crying, adding a layer of struggle.

with tears welling up

Describes the physical manifestation of approaching tears in the eyes.

barely holding back tears

Similar to "fighting back tears" but indicating a greater difficulty in doing so.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost in tears" to describe someone who is very upset or moved. For example, "She was "almost in tears" when she heard the news".

What are some alternatives to "almost in tears"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of tears", "close to crying", or "near tears", which all suggest a similar emotional state.

Is there a difference between "almost in tears" and "in tears"?

"Almost in tears" means someone is very upset but not yet crying, while "in tears" indicates that they are already crying. The former suggests a build-up of emotion, the latter, its release.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "almost in tears"?

It is appropriate to use "almost in tears" when describing a situation where someone is experiencing strong emotions such as sadness, gratitude, or overwhelming joy, but has not yet started to cry. It effectively conveys a high level of emotional intensity.