cry for help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cry for help' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who is asking for assistance or aid in a desperate or urgent situation. Example: After feeling completely overwhelmed, she let out a loud cry for help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sure sounds like a cry for help.

The New York Times

"A cry for help?" Dr. Lester asked.

The New Yorker

"This is their cry for help".

The New York Times

It is a cry for help.

The Economist

Is that a cry for help?

The New York Times

This is ultimately a cry for help".

The Guardian

Captain Mallery heard a cry for help.

The New York Times

There's a real cry for help.

The Guardian

Now it's a cry for help.

The New York Times - Books

It's more like a cry for help.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They were a cry for help," Mrs Pounder said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cry for help", consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase is appropriate and conveys the intended urgency or desperation. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Don't assume every unusual behavior is a "cry for help". Look for patterns and consider the individual's personality and circumstances before jumping to conclusions. Sometimes, what seems like a desperate plea might just be a quirk or a phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry for help" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an action or state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry for help" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a desperate need for assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to signal distress and prompt intervention. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for broad audiences. While alternatives like "plea for assistance" or "distress signal" exist, "cry for help" effectively conveys urgency. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the audience and context to maintain its impact and avoid misinterpretations. The phrase's widespread use underscores its importance in communicating critical needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desperate request

This alternative emphasizes the level of desperation behind the request.

plea for assistance

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of pleading.

urgent appeal

This alternative highlights the time-sensitive nature of the request for help.

appeal for aid

This alternative focuses on the formal request for aid or assistance.

distress signal

This alternative likens the cry for help to a formal signal indicating danger or need.

SOS signal

This alternative indicates an explicit coded signal used in emergencies

call for intervention

This alternative stresses that a third party is required to intervene.

shout for assistance

This alternative is similar to cry but focuses on yelling or shouting

need for support

This alternative is less dramatic and more general, indicating a requirement for assistance.

expression of vulnerability

This alternative reflects the implicit revelation of one's vulnerable state

FAQs

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

You can use "cry for help" to describe a desperate plea for assistance. For example: "His erratic behavior was a clear cry for help."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "cry for help"?

Alternatives like "need for support" or "request for assistance" can convey a similar meaning with less intensity.

Is it always accurate to interpret unusual behavior as a "cry for help"?

No, it's important to consider individual context and not jump to conclusions. Subtle changes might indicate a "need for support", but further observation is needed.

What kind of situations usually involve a "cry for help"?

Situations involving distress, desperation, or an urgent need for intervention often elicit a "cry for help". This can range from personal struggles to broader social issues.