begin to cry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to cry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the onset of crying, often in emotional contexts. Example: "As the movie reached its climax, she could feel the tears welling up, and she began to cry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Or you begin to cry".

The New Yorker

And I begin to cry.

The New Yorker

"I could, but I'd begin to cry.

The Guardian - Sport

His throat would stiffen and he would begin to cry.

The New Yorker

She holds our arms and says: 'Thanks, lads.' I begin to cry.

Independent

Two women behind them also begin to cry as their faces visibly redden.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Eleanor begins to cry.

The New Yorker

Usl began to cry.

The New Yorker

Nikeita began to cry.

The New Yorker

(He begins to cry).

The New York Times

Teammates began to cry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to cry" to describe the initial stage of crying, especially when emphasizing the gradual onset of tears. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to show the process, rather than an instantaneous outburst.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "begin to cry" in close succession within your writing. Vary your descriptions of emotional expression by incorporating other phrases like "start to weep", "burst into tears", or describe the physical sensations associated with crying, such as a lump in the throat or blurred vision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to cry" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as part of a verb phrase to describe the commencement of an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase describes the start of shedding tears.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to cry" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the initial act of crying, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, most notably in News & Media, where it serves to depict emotional responses in narratives. While phrases like "start to weep" or "burst into tears" can serve as alternatives, "begin to cry" emphasizes the gradual onset of tears. When employing this phrase, ensure that it is used judiciously, avoiding repetition by varying your descriptions of emotional expression. By using this phrase correctly, you can effectively convey the onset of sadness or grief in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to weep

Implies a more controlled or gentle form of crying compared to "cry".

start to sob

Suggests a more intense and convulsive form of crying.

burst into tears

Indicates a sudden and often uncontrollable onset of crying.

break down in tears

Similar to bursting into tears, but can also suggest emotional exhaustion.

well up with tears

Describes the initial stage of crying, where tears form but haven't yet fallen.

be reduced to tears

Highlights the emotional impact leading to crying, often implying vulnerability.

get teary-eyed

Implies a milder, more restrained form of emotional expression with slight tear production.

choke up

Indicates emotional distress that makes it difficult to speak, often preceding crying.

tear up

A more subtle version of beginning to cry, with only a slight tearful reaction.

be on the verge of tears

Captures the moment just before crying starts, indicating suppressed emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "begin to cry" in a sentence?

The phrase "begin to cry" describes the starting point of someone crying. For example, "She heard the news and "began to cry"" or "As the movie ended, he could feel himself "begin to cry"."

What are some alternatives to "begin to cry"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "start to weep", "burst into tears", "break down in tears", or "be reduced to tears".

Is it correct to say "began crying" instead of "begin to cry"?

Yes, both "began crying" and ""begin to cry"" are grammatically correct. "Began crying" uses the gerund form and is often more concise. "Begin to cry" emphasizes the initiation of the action.

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

The phrases "start to cry" and ""begin to cry"" are largely interchangeable. "Begin" may suggest a more gradual commencement, while "start" can imply a more immediate onset, though the difference is often negligible.