cry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing emotion, describing an action, or referring to a sound made when someone is upset. Example: "When she heard the sad news, she couldn't help but cry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

LAUGH or cry?

The Guardian

"I couldn't even cry.

The New York Times

But then, after all the sniffling had ceased, I asked myself: why should I cry about this?

The Guardian - Music

"We don't cry on injuries, that is our philosophy," Mourinho said.

The Guardian - Sport

While terrorism does not fit entirely comfortably within the war paradigm, which the west developed using nation states as the key actors, what Awlaki did for a living was a far cry from robbing the neighborhood bank.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the main hazards of becoming prime minister is the problems that arise when mischief-making newspapers cry, and maliciously inclined colleagues whisper: "Look behind you!" Alan Johnson would, I am sure, take on the job with the absolute intention of being a loyal deputy.

The Guardian - Opinion

My colleague Ewen MacAskill remarks: "Well at least he didn't cry".

The Guardian

In 1934 Neville Cardus mused: "Maybe tomorrow … Stravinsky will share the fate of Strauss and Debusssy, and be called old-fashioned by the latest young 'bloods' while the rest of us in our advancing senility cry out 'O for the good old tunes of 'Le Sacre'".

The Guardian - Music

A mother of two autistic children starts to cry as she tells of her struggle to get any help at all, with no disability living allowance, relying on food parcels from her father.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most disadvantaged Australians are likely to experience much higher rates of violence generally, including domestic violence, but here the generalised cry of "misogyny" is not so loud.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm not going to vote now," they cry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cry" to describe emotional expression, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Weep" is more formal, while "sob" emphasizes the physical act of crying.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, avoid using "cry" too frequently. Opt for more formal synonyms like "weep" or rephrase the sentence to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cry" is as both a verb, indicating the act of shedding tears or shouting, and a noun, referring to the act of crying or a shout. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show "cry" used in various sentence structures to convey emotion or vocal expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cry" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, denoting the act of shedding tears or shouting. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. While universally understood, the register of "cry" is generally neutral, and more formal alternatives like "weep" may be preferable in certain academic or professional contexts. The prevalence of "cry" in news and media sources, as demonstrated by Ludwig, highlights its common usage in everyday language. For more nuanced emotional expression, synonyms like "sob" or "wail" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weep

A more formal and literary term for shedding tears.

shed tears

Describes the physical act of crying with more emphasis on the tears.

sob

Focuses on the short, convulsive intakes of breath during crying.

bawl

Suggests a loud and unrestrained crying.

wail

Implies a prolonged and high-pitched cry, often expressing grief.

scream

Expresses a sudden, piercing cry, often from fear or pain.

yell

To shout something loudly, generally used when someone is angry.

shout

To speak loudly.

call out

To shout something, especially when you want to attract someone’s attention.

holler

To cry out loudly; shout.

FAQs

How can I use "cry" in a sentence?

You can use "cry" to describe the act of shedding tears due to sadness or strong emotions, as in "She began to cry when she heard the news." It can also mean to shout loudly, like "He started to cry for help".

What are some alternatives to "cry" when expressing sadness?

Alternatives include "weep", "shed tears", "sob", or "wail", depending on the intensity and manner of crying.

What's the difference between "cry" and "weep"?

"Cry" is a general term for shedding tears, while "weep" often implies a more controlled or quiet expression of sorrow. "Weep" can also sound more formal or literary.

Is it appropriate to use "cry" in formal writing?

While "cry" is universally understood, it might be too informal for certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using "weep" or another more elevated synonym.