cries out for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cries out for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation that is in desperate need of something, or requires prompt action. For example, "The struggling economy cries out for new jobs and increased investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such lethal mischief cries out for reconsideration.

The New York Times

Voting list maintenance cries out for reform.

The New York Times

A spectacular fish tank cries out for equally impressive inhabitants.

The New York Times

But the tale that it tells cries out for madness.

The New Yorker

The emergency program cries out for immediate renewal.

The New York Times

Indian democracy is chaotic and cries out for decisiveness.

The Guardian - Books

Gretel thinks she sees ghostly figures coming for them and cries out for her parents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His marvelous, underappreciated oeuvre cries out for a full-scale museum retrospective.

The New York Times - Arts

The tax and legal infrastructure, too, cries out for reform.

Forbes

This violates common sense and cries out for reform.

Huffington Post

This symmetrical face cries out for a new angle: asymmetry.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cries out for" to emphasize urgency and a strong need, particularly when advocating for change or highlighting a critical issue.

Common error

Avoid using "cries out for" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral phrasing like "requires" or "needs" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cries out for" functions as a verbal phrase expressing an urgent need or demand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples illustrate how it emphasizes the critical nature of what is lacking or required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cries out for" is a commonly used expression to emphasize an urgent need or demand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it’s important to consider the formality of the context and opt for more neutral alternatives, such as "urgently requires", in formal writing. The phrase is most effective in highlighting deficiencies and advocating for action, making it a powerful tool for persuasive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in desperate need of

Replaces the figurative "cries out" with a more literal expression of urgent need.

urgently requires

Substitutes "cries out" with a formal term emphasizing the necessity of something.

is badly needed

A more passive construction focusing on the state of being needed rather than the act of demanding.

imperatively demands

A stronger and more formal alternative that highlights the authoritative nature of the need.

is urgently calling for

Maintains the sense of urgency and adds a sense of actively seeking or requesting something.

is in dire necessity of

Emphasizes the severity of the need using the word "dire".

is begging for

Uses a more emotional and pleading tone compared to the original phrase.

is aching for

Employs a more metaphorical and longing tone to express the need.

cannot do without

Focuses on the essential nature of what is needed, highlighting indispensability.

is vitally important for

Highlights the critical importance of something for a specific purpose or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "cries out for" to express a strong need or demand for something. For example, "The outdated infrastructure "cries out for" immediate repairs."

What are some alternatives to "cries out for"?

You can use phrases like "is in desperate need of", "urgently requires", or "is badly needed" as alternatives to "cries out for", depending on the desired tone and formality.

Which is correct, "cries out for" or "cries for"?

"Cries out for" implies a specific, identifiable need, while "cries for" suggests a more general plea or lament. The best choice depends on the context.

Is "cries out for" too informal for academic writing?

While "cries out for" is acceptable, it may be perceived as less formal. Consider using alternatives like "urgently requires" or "is in desperate need of" for a more professional tone in academic contexts.