cries for help

USAGE SUMMARY

'cries for help' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is asking for help in a desperate manner. For example: "The child's screams and cries for help echoed through the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Think of them as cries for help.

The New York Times

The cries for help grew ever louder.

The Guardian

Still others can detect cries for help.

The New York Times - Tech

But cries for help have increased.

The New York Times

Others are harrowing cries for help.

The New York Times - Arts

Yangzom could still hear Katleen Ping's weakening cries for help.

The New York Times - Magazine

The cries for help on the 911 call are distinct.

The New York Times

— Hannah heard her mother's muffled cries for help.

The New York Times - Sports

Desperate cries for help are punctuated by two shots.

The New Yorker

How can machine learning help us hear cries for help?

Columbia University

Ivan returning for loot, hears Sonia's cries for help.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cries for help", ensure the context clearly indicates genuine distress or a need for assistance. Avoid using it lightly or in situations where the need is not urgent or serious.

Common error

Avoid using "cries for help" in contexts where the need for assistance is minor or easily resolved. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when describing truly urgent situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cries for help" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or subject of a verb. It describes the act of desperately seeking assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used when someone is asking for help in a desperate manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cries for help" is a noun phrase denoting urgent requests for assistance, typically used to convey desperation and prompt immediate action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct to use when someone is asking for help in a desperate manner. It's commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and even informal contexts where urgent help is needed. While generally neutral in register, the phrase carries an inherent sense of urgency. Alternatives such as "calls for assistance" or "distress calls" can be used depending on the level of formality required. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects an urgent need to avoid overdramatization. The phrase is very common as confirmed by the high examples count.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distress calls

Concise phrase used frequently in emergency situations.

calls for assistance

Uses more formal language, replacing "cries" with "calls" and "help" with "assistance".

desperate appeals

Stresses the intensity of the request for help, replacing "cries" with "appeals".

pleas for aid

Emphasizes the urgency of the situation, using "pleas" instead of "cries" and "aid" instead of "help".

urgent requests for support

Uses a more formal and direct tone, emphasizing the need for backing and aid.

shouts for rescue

Highlights the need for immediate intervention, replacing "help" with "rescue".

outcries for relief

Highlights a strong public expression of the need for comfort and assistance.

signals of distress

Focuses on the non-verbal communication of needing help, using a more clinical tone.

desperate wails

Uses more emotional and sorrowful language compared to the original phrase.

SOS signals

Refers to internationally recognized signals indicating extreme distress and need for immediate help.

FAQs

How can I use "cries for help" in a sentence?

You can use "cries for help" to describe urgent requests for assistance. For example, "The "victims of the flood" sent out desperate cries for help".

What are some alternatives to "cries for help"?

Alternatives include "calls for assistance", "pleas for aid", or "distress calls", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "cries for help" in formal writing?

While "cries for help" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "urgent requests for support" or "appeals for aid" in highly formal contexts.

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "cries for help"?

Avoid using "cries for help" in situations that are not genuinely urgent or life-threatening. Overusing the phrase can lessen its impact and credibility. Instead, opt for alternatives like "requests for assistance" in less critical scenarios.