cries of horror

USAGE SUMMARY

'cries of horror' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where people express horror with a loud cry. For example: "The audience erupted in cries of horror when the actor slipped and fell off the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You'd think the cries of horror and anger might only be drowned out by whoops of derision.

The New Yorker

There is something comical, therefore, in the cries of horror at the possibility that it might choose to do so.

The Guardian

Cue cries of horror (though not many, it is safe to say, from around working-class kitchen sinks).

The Guardian

"In my heart, I know that it is time for someone else" to have the opportunity to host the show, he said, to cries of horror.

The New Yorker

The excruciating scene, including boy's screams as he was hit by the fatal gunfire and the father's cries of horror, was broadcast on Israeli and Palestinian television tonight.

The New York Times

Within days of Silvio Berlusconi's victory, Giulio Tremonti, his likely finance minister raised doubts about enlarging the EU: not too fast, he said, the development of Italy's south must come first.From the European Commission came cries of horror.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The scream was the universal cry of horror.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a fine performance spoiled only by Kent's decision to use amplification to register Oedipus' offstage cry of horror: a touch that would have this theatre's namesake spinning in his grave.

The Guardian

Alongside Ian McKellen, Howard was the leading heroic actor of his generation, someone whose voice, even in a misfired 1993 National Theatre Macbeth (known as the "gas-ring" Macbeth on account of some circular ground level lighting of blue flames), thrillingly encompassed, said the critic Irving Wardle, a sardonic croak, a lyrical caress, a one-man brass section and a whinnying cry of horror.

The Guardian

He's full of eminent common sense and it's a cry of horror at the venality, selfishness and political corruption that can allow such a state of affairs to exist.

BBC

Hope, Steven and their companions realize immediately that something has gone wrong, and their cheers are replaced by cries of shock, horror and disbelief.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “cries of horror” to vividly depict a scene of intense shock or fear, often in response to an unexpected and terrible event. It effectively conveys the immediate and visceral reaction of a group or individual.

Common error

Avoid using “cries of horror” when the situation warrants a milder expression of surprise or concern. The phrase is best reserved for truly shocking or horrific scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cries of horror" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a collective expression of intense fear and shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cries of horror" effectively conveys a scene of intense shock, fear, and dismay. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable for use in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. With a source quality score of 94 and an expert rating of 4.5, its grammatical correctness and common usage in reputable sources are confirmed. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a strong emotional expression, avoiding overuse in milder contexts. Alternatives such as "shouts of terror" or "screams of horror" may provide nuanced variations, depending on the specific emotion and intensity you wish to portray.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shouts of terror

Replaces "horror" with "terror", emphasizing fear.

screams of horror

Uses "screams" instead of "cries", implying a higher pitch and intensity.

yells of horror

Uses "yells" for a loud, forceful cry.

shrieks of horror

Suggests a high-pitched, piercing cry of horror.

wails of horror

Implies a prolonged and mournful cry.

gasps of horror

Focuses on the audible intake of breath due to horror.

outbursts of horror

Highlights the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the expression.

sounds of horror

Focuses on the auditory aspect, potentially including more than just vocalizations.

exclamations of horror

Replaces "cries" with a more formal "exclamations".

expressions of horror

A broader term encompassing verbal and non-verbal displays of horror.

FAQs

How can I use "cries of horror" in a sentence?

You can use "cries of horror" to describe a scene where people are reacting with shock and fear. For example, "Cries of horror erupted from the audience when the magician's trick went wrong".

What are some alternatives to "cries of horror"?

Some alternatives include "shouts of terror", "gasps of horror", or "screams of horror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cries of horror" in my writing?

Use "cries of horror" when you want to emphasize a strong, immediate reaction to something shocking, disturbing, or frightening. Reserve it for scenes where the emotional impact is significant.

What's the difference between "cries of horror" and "cries of fear"?

"Cries of horror" implies a reaction to something deeply disturbing or shocking, whereas "cries of fear" may simply indicate a response to danger or threat. Horror often includes an element of revulsion or disgust that fear alone does not necessarily have.