cry a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone should allow themselves to express their emotions by crying for a short period of time. Example: "After the breakup, it’s okay to cry a bit before moving on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

And cry a bit more.

The Guardian - Sport

Can you cry a bit more?

The Guardian - Film

It's the best; it makes you want to cry a bit".

The New York Times

They would be crying one minute, laughing the next, and then cry a bit more.

The Guardian

If you want a party, jokes, a fun time, and you want to cry a bit, I'm your girl.

The Guardian

She writes, 'I felt a world of painful responsibility lift from my shoulders, just enough for me to cry a bit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I was crying a bit.

The New Yorker

So I cried a bit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then I cried a bit, again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was so scared I actually cried a bit.

The Guardian - Film

I cried a bit, I have to say, when she was presented with the medal.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry a bit" to suggest a brief, cathartic release of emotion. It is suitable in informal contexts where a lighthearted tone is appropriate, but be mindful of the audience and situation.

Common error

Avoid using "cry a bit" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrasing, such as "experience sadness" or "express grief" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry a bit" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a brief or mild episode of crying. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It modifies the verb "cry" with the adverbial phrase "a bit", indicating the extent of the crying.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cry a bit" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a brief episode of crying. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for informal settings, it's less appropriate for formal or professional contexts. Related phrases include "shed a tear" or "have a little cry". Use it to convey a sense of momentary sadness or emotional release without implying intense distress. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media, Wiki and Informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed a tear

Refers to crying lightly or briefly, emphasizing the act of producing tears.

have a little cry

Indicates a short period of crying, suggesting a contained emotional release.

weep slightly

Implies a subdued form of crying, focusing on the gentle expression of sorrow.

tear up

Describes the eyes filling with tears, suggesting the onset of crying without a full release.

get a little emotional

Highlights the emotional state rather than the act of crying, indicating a mild sentimental reaction.

well up

Describes tears beginning to form in the eyes, suggesting an imminent release of emotion.

choke back tears

Focuses on the effort to suppress crying, implying a strong emotional response that is being controlled.

get a bit misty-eyed

Suggests a sentimental or nostalgic feeling that causes the eyes to water slightly.

feel a lump in one's throat

Describes the physical sensation of suppressed emotion, often preceding tears.

become sentimental

Indicates a state of tenderness and nostalgia, which may or may not lead to crying.

FAQs

How can I use "cry a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "cry a bit" to describe a short, mild episode of crying. For example: "After the argument, I needed to "cry a bit" to release my frustration."

What are some alternatives to "cry a bit"?

Alternatives include "shed a tear", "have a little cry", or "weep slightly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cry a bit"?

Yes, ""cry a bit"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal contexts to describe a brief episode of crying.

What's the difference between "cry a bit" and "cry a lot"?

"Cry a bit" suggests a short, mild emotional release, while "cry a lot" implies a more intense and prolonged period of crying.