cry for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry for him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of sorrow or longing for someone, often in a context of loss or emotional distress. Example: "After he left, I couldn't help but cry for him every night, wishing he would return."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We should cry for him.

The New York Times

In penance, I wanted to cry for him now.

The New Yorker

I will cry for him as a great friend.

The Guardian - Sport

When Ali's readers cry for him, they are also crying for themselves.

The Guardian - Books

So Porcher will make his millions next season, and no one should cry for him.

The New York Times - Sports

He photographed me once and asked me to cry for him.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

There was no crying for him Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

At the end, I left crying for him and me.

The Guardian

Instead, he said, his mother cried for him.

The New York Times - Health

Not crying for him, believe me, OR low-energy Eeyore.

The New Yorker

The cries for him to replace Sanchez will only grow louder and last longer.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry for him" to convey a sense of deep sorrow, empathy, or longing for someone's well-being, often in situations involving loss, hardship, or injustice.

Common error

Avoid using "cry for him" in contexts where a lighter, less profound expression of sympathy is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing seem melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry for him" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing empathy, sorrow, or longing directed towards a specific male individual. Ludwig indicates that this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

BBC

3%

Vice

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry for him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey sorrow, empathy, or longing for a male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and versatile across various contexts, particularly in news and media, with a slightly informal leaning. While alternatives like "weep for him" or "mourn for him" exist, the key is to employ the phrase appropriately, avoiding overuse in situations requiring a more nuanced or lighter touch. Understanding its emotional depth ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weep for him

Replaces "cry" with "weep", suggesting a more intense or prolonged expression of sorrow.

shed tears for him

More descriptive and figurative, emphasizing the physical act of crying out of sadness for the person.

mourn for him

Substitutes "cry" with "mourn", implying a deeper, more formal sense of grief, often associated with death or significant loss.

grieve for him

Similar to "mourn", but can also apply to ongoing sorrow for someone's suffering or situation.

feel grief for him

Conveys a sense of deep sorrow, typically associated with bereavement.

lament for him

Suggests a more public or expressive display of grief, often with elements of sorrow or regret.

ache for him

Emphasizes a deep, emotional longing or pain for someone's well-being.

be sad for him

A simpler and more direct expression of sorrow for someone.

feel sorry for him

Indicates a sense of pity or compassion for someone's misfortune.

sympathize with him

Expresses an understanding of someone's feelings, often in response to their suffering.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cry for him"?

To "cry for him" means to feel sadness or sorrow for someone, often due to their suffering, loss, or unfortunate circumstances. It indicates a deep emotional connection and empathy.

What can I say instead of "cry for him"?

You can use alternatives like "weep for him", "mourn for him", or "grieve for him" depending on the context and intensity of emotion.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cry for him"?

Yes, "cry for him" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted way to express sorrow or empathy in the English language.

How is "cry for him" different from "cry about him"?

"Cry for him" implies sadness or empathy for someone's situation, while "cry about him" suggests being upset or complaining about someone's actions or behavior.