begins to sob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins to sob" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when someone starts crying or expressing deep emotional distress. Example: "As the news sank in, she begins to sob, unable to contain her grief any longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Ned begins to sob.

Independent

He begins to sob.

The New York Times - Magazine

He touches her and she begins to sob.

The New Yorker

She kneels down to pat it — and begins to sob.

The New York Times

Another begins to sob as he drives home.

The New York Times

Talking about those years, he begins to sob uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

People began to sob.

The New Yorker

She began to sob.

The New Yorker

Then she began to sob.

The New Yorker

She began to sob: "Oh, my God!

The New York Times

They all began to sob.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begins to sob" to depict the initial phase of intense crying, highlighting the moment when suppressed emotions start to surface. This can add depth and realism to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "begins to sob" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions of emotional responses with synonyms like "starts to weep" or "bursts into tears" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins to sob" functions as a verb phrase describing the commencement of an act of weeping. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase often appears in narrative contexts to depict a character's emotional response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begins to sob" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the initial stage of intense crying. As evidenced by Ludwig, its primary function is to depict the onset of emotional distress, often in narrative contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "starts to weep" or "bursts into tears". Ludwig confirms the appropriateness and usability of this phrase in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts to weep

Changes the verb to 'weep', suggesting a more gentle or quiet form of crying.

starts to cry

Uses the more general term 'cry', which can encompass a range of emotional expression from slight tearing to loud sobbing.

bursts into tears

Indicates a sudden and often uncontrollable onset of crying.

breaks down in tears

Suggests an emotional collapse leading to crying, often after a period of stress or holding back emotions.

is overcome with emotion

Describes the state leading to crying, focusing on the overwhelming feelings.

loses control of emotions

Focuses on the lack of control over one's feelings, resulting in tears.

succumbs to weeping

Implies a yielding to sorrow, often after resistance.

gives way to tears

Suggests a release of pent-up emotion through crying.

finds themself sobbing

Highlights the involuntary nature of the sobbing.

can't help but cry

Emphasizes the inability to stop the tears from flowing.

FAQs

What does "begins to sob" mean?

The phrase "begins to sob" describes the onset of crying with convulsive gasps, indicating a strong emotional reaction or distress.

When is it appropriate to use "begins to sob" in writing?

Use "begins to sob" when you want to emphasize the moment someone starts to cry intensely, showing the surfacing of deep emotion. For less intense crying consider "starts to cry".

What are some alternatives to "begins to sob"?

Alternatives include "starts to weep", "bursts into tears", or "breaks down in tears", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "begins to sob" formal or informal?

"Begins to sob" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, the context and surrounding language will ultimately determine the overall tone.