become tearful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become tearful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person starting to cry or showing signs of emotional distress. Example: "As she recounted the story of her childhood, she began to become tearful, unable to hold back her emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I become tearful and hopeless, like a child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a fascinating film, frequently moving: to see Tammy become tearful as she explains the reason for her weight gain, or Hazel, a woman who can't see her own loveliness, is very affecting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I would have become tearful, but I was tired and dehydrated and coated with (hoping to ease my withering skin) what turned out to be hair conditioner and not body lotion.

The Guardian - Books

And how can we best support our work colleagues when they become tearful?

BBC

The character has described Stewart as a sexual predator and has been known to become tearful when his name is brought up.

Wikipedia

He'd also tentatively attempt speech, and after a few garbled phrases would begin to make some kind of sense, whereupon he'd become tearful, as if his own words were unbearable to hear.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She became tearful.

The New Yorker

But, during a visit to America last fall, he became tearful as he recalled the plight of a Tanzanian in a neighboring cell.

The New Yorker

One woman brought a dozen cuddly toy dogs for children, driving off quickly as one of the fathers became tearful with gratitude.

The Guardian

Matthew Rowley said his brother became tearful when they mentioned Charlie's partner, Dawn Sturgess, who has died, and he changed the subject.

The Guardian

She became tearful near the end of her speech, discussing the hopes of her father, a municipal water plant worker in Chicago, that his children would be successful.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become tearful" to describe the onset of tears due to a specific emotion or situation, emphasizing the process of transitioning into a state of tearfulness. Consider alternatives like "start to cry" or "get emotional" for simpler or more general contexts.

Common error

While "become tearful" is acceptable, overuse it in formal or professional writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs to convey emotion effectively. For instance, use "weep" or "sob" to specify the intensity of crying.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become tearful" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of transitioning into a state of tearfulness. It describes the action of someone beginning to cry, often due to emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become tearful" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of someone starting to cry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For more formal or professional writing, consider stronger, more precise verbs. Alternatives like "start to cry" or "get emotional" may be suitable in certain situations. The phrase effectively conveys emotional distress and elicits empathy, making it a valuable part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to cry

A more direct and common way of expressing the beginning of tears.

get emotional

Indicates a general shift into a state of heightened emotion, which may include tears.

well up with tears

Describes the eyes filling with tears, suggesting a strong emotional response.

brim with tears

Similar to 'well up', but emphasizes the fullness of tears in the eyes.

burst into tears

Implies a sudden and often uncontrollable onset of crying.

be overcome with emotion

Suggests a powerful emotional experience that leads to tears.

begin to weep

A more formal and literary way of saying 'start to cry'.

grow teary-eyed

Focuses on the physical appearance of the eyes becoming watery.

have tears in one's eyes

Describes the presence of tears, indicating sadness or strong emotion.

break down in tears

Similar to "burst into tears", indicating a strong emotional release.

FAQs

How can I use "become tearful" in a sentence?

You can use "become tearful" to describe the moment someone starts to cry because of an emotion. For example, "She "became tearful" as she recounted the story of her childhood".

What's the difference between "become tearful" and "start to cry"?

"Become tearful" implies a gradual process of filling with tears, while ""start to cry"" is a more general and direct way to describe the onset of crying.

Are there any synonyms for "become tearful" that are more formal?

Yes, more formal synonyms include "begin to weep" or "be overcome with emotion", which are often used in literary or formal contexts.

Is "become tearful" appropriate for professional writing?

While acceptable, it may be more effective to use precise language depending on the context. Consider if ""get emotional"" or another more descriptive verb might be a better fit for clarity.