by crying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by crying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or method of expressing emotions, typically in contexts related to sadness or distress. Example: "She expressed her feelings of loss by crying during the memorial service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A newsboy went by, crying The Tribune.

The New York Times

Some outers initially react by crying foul.

The Guardian

Mr. Romney's spokeswoman responded to the Gingrich ad by crying hypocrisy.

The New York Times

I am tired of searching for herbal remedies to relieve hiccups caused by crying".

The New Yorker

"You won't make yourself a bit realler by crying," Tweedledee remarked: "there's nothing to cry about".

The New Yorker

He insults the rest of us by crying for special breaks from the government.

The New Yorker

Since then, she has been gripped by crying jags and smoke-filled nightmares.

The New York Times

No one, Collini insists, should be able to claim immunity to criticism by crying offence.

The Guardian - Books

If she won, she said, she's bound to embarrass herself by crying.

The Guardian - Sport

He also made his contribution to space folklore by crying out loud: "It's a great sport".

The Guardian

"An old lady came by, crying and pleading with the soldiers to let us go.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by crying" to describe a deliberate or consequential action performed through crying. This can highlight the effect of crying as a means of communication or manipulation.

Common error

While "by crying" is acceptable, overuse can make writing seem overly emotional or informal. In professional or academic settings, consider alternatives such as "through expression of grief" or "via emotional display" to maintain a more detached tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by crying" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the means or method by which an action is performed. Ludwig provides examples where it describes how someone achieves a result or expresses themselves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by crying" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the method or means by which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears most often in news, media and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. While acceptable in many situations, formal or scientific writing may benefit from more detached alternatives such as "through expression of grief" or "via emotional display". Using "by crying" effectively involves understanding the specific nuance you wish to convey, whether it's to highlight the communicative intent, elicit sympathy, or simply describe a reaction. The analysis suggests that while the phrase is common, writers should be mindful of its potential to sound overly emotional in certain professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through tears

Focuses on the medium (tears) rather than the act of crying.

by weeping

Uses a more formal synonym for crying.

while sobbing

Emphasizes the audible aspect of crying.

in tears

Indicates a state of being affected by tears.

through lamentation

Suggests a more profound and prolonged expression of grief.

with tearful expression

Highlights the facial expression associated with crying.

via shedding tears

A more verbose way of describing the action of crying.

by displaying sorrow

Focuses on the emotion being displayed rather than the act of crying itself.

through emotional outpouring

Implies a broader expression of emotion, not necessarily just crying.

by showing grief

Highlights the underlying emotion of grief, with crying as a manifestation.

FAQs

How can I use "by crying" in a sentence?

You can use "by crying" to describe an action performed through tears, such as "She sought sympathy "by crying" during the difficult conversation."

What are some alternatives to "by crying"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through tears", "while sobbing", or "in tears", each offering slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to use "by crying" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "by crying" may be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more descriptive or detached alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "by crying" and "through tears"?

"By crying" emphasizes the act of crying as a means to an end, while "through tears" focuses more on the tears themselves as the medium or expression of emotion.