close to tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to tears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is very emotional and deeply touched, or when someone is on the brink of crying. For example: "John was so moved by his daughter's words that he was close to tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ismail was close to tears.

The New Yorker

In fact, I felt close to tears.

The New York Times - Sports

Gosh!" She is close to tears.

The New Yorker

Heartbreaking, some people close to tears.

The New York Times

Close to tears, I called my mother.

The New Yorker

Some were close to tears.

The New York Times

"Heather was close to tears".

The New York Times - Travel

Many were close to tears.

The New York Times - Arts

I was close to tears".

The Guardian

He was close to tears.

The New York Times - Sports

The girl was close to tears.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to tears" to effectively convey a sense of vulnerability and heightened emotion in your writing. It is particularly impactful when describing reactions to touching or distressing events.

Common error

Avoid using "close to tears" in situations that do not warrant strong emotional reactions. Save it for moments of genuine vulnerability or profound emotion to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to tears" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's emotional state. It indicates that the person is on the brink of crying. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing reactions to deeply moving or distressing situations, such as, 'He was close to tears.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to tears" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone experiencing intense emotions and nearing the point of crying. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively communicates vulnerability and strong emotional responses. For alternative expressions, consider "on the verge of crying" or "near tears". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the emotional tone of your writing and avoids overuse in neutral contexts to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of crying

Indicates being at the immediate threshold of crying.

near tears

A shorter, more direct way of saying someone is almost crying.

about to cry

Focuses on the imminence of crying.

teary-eyed

Describes the physical appearance of someone who is almost crying.

choked up

Suggests an emotional blockage that prevents speaking clearly due to sadness.

emotional

A broader term that indicates strong feeling which may lead to tears.

distraught

Implies a higher level of emotional distress and agitation than simply being sad.

heartbroken

Indicates deep sorrow, often related to loss or disappointment.

moved to tears

Suggests being touched or affected by something so deeply that it almost induces crying.

fighting back tears

Implies actively suppressing the urge to cry.

FAQs

How can I use "close to tears" in a sentence?

You can use "close to tears" to describe someone who is experiencing strong emotions and is almost crying. For example, "She was "close to tears" when she heard the news".

What is a good alternative to "close to tears"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "on the verge of crying", "near tears", or "about to cry".

Is it better to say "close to tears" or "nearly crying"?

"Close to tears" and "nearly crying" are both acceptable, but "close to tears" often conveys a slightly more nuanced sense of emotional intensity and vulnerability, as explained by Ludwig AI.

What does it mean when someone is "moved to tears"?

When someone is "moved to tears", it means they are so deeply affected by something that they are almost crying, suggesting a powerful emotional response. This is similar, but subtly different than just being "close to tears".