cry of agony

USAGE SUMMARY

"cry of agony" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a loud, sudden cry of pain resulting from intense physical or emotional suffering. Example sentence: The soldier released a cry of agony when he realized he had been shot.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His top-secret letter about the affair to the Pope was a cry of agony and rage.

Independent

And in Paris, the young critics of Cahiers du Cinéma were also taken with the film, which the screenwriter and director Pierre Kast hailed as the most "improbable" American production since Charles Chaplin's "Monsieur Verdoux," a "secret cry of agony, the expression of a terrible vertigo" and "almost literally stunning".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her worst episode happened on a Saturday morning, her cries of agony ringing out around the house.

Independent

Walsh had to listen to it and try to determine whether any of the cries of agony sounded familiar.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Then all of a sudden our artillery would send them a reminder, and then all you could hear were cries of agony.

The Guardian - Sport

He imagines a man being nailed to a cross, cries of agony, two companion crosses in view, and then we crane out to see two hundred crosses and two hundred victims: we are at the beginning of the story, the mass execution of Jewish rebels in 4 B.C., not the end.

The New Yorker

Haydn might have admired the originality of his modern counterpart, but he would have found the cries of spiritual agony vulgar.

The New York Times - Arts

He sang of love gone wrong in a harsh, stoic wail, the cry of a strong man in agony who cannot quite manage to keep his pain to himself.

The New York Times - Books

Just one soothing word in this ocean of agony was enough to make me cry.

The New Yorker

Sometimes it seems that we are living in a human abattoir; slaughter so commonplace that we hear the cries of pain and agony as if it were background music pumped in by Muzak.

Huffington Post

The sculpture, called "A Cry for Help," depicted a half-naked woman with an expression of agony atop a submarine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cry of agony" to depict moments of extreme physical or emotional pain in narratives, ensuring the context clearly establishes the intensity of the suffering.

Common error

Avoid using "cry of agony" to describe minor discomfort or slight pain. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving severe suffering to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry of agony" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig highlights its usage in describing moments of intense suffering or distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry of agony" is a noun phrase used to describe a vocal expression of intense suffering, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to evoke a strong emotional response. While its usage is not extremely frequent, it is well-established, making it a powerful tool for depicting moments of extreme distress. Consider using related phrases like "shriek of anguish" or "wail of despair" for nuanced expression, and reserve "cry of agony" for scenarios involving truly profound pain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shriek of anguish

Replaces "cry" with "shriek", implying a higher-pitched, more piercing sound. "Anguish" emphasizes mental or emotional suffering.

outburst of grief

Focuses on sorrow and mourning rather than physical pain; "outburst" suggests a sudden, uncontrolled expression.

wail of despair

Emphasizes hopelessness and loss; "wail" suggests a prolonged, mournful sound.

moan of torment

"Moan" suggests a lower, less articulated sound, often associated with prolonged suffering; "torment" implies severe mental or physical pain.

howl of pain

Replaces "agony" with "pain", which is a more general term for suffering, and replaces "cry" with "howl", conveying a louder, more animalistic sound.

scream of suffering

Uses "scream" to emphasize the loudness and intensity of the cry and "suffering" to specify the experience of enduring pain or distress.

groan of misery

Replaces "cry" with "groan", indicating a deeper, less articulate sound, and "agony" with "misery", suggesting general unhappiness and distress.

lament of sorrow

Suggests a formal or poetic expression of grief, often prolonged and ritualized; "sorrow" focuses on sadness.

shout of anguish

Emphasizes a loud, forceful expression of mental or emotional distress, replacing "cry" with "shout".

expression of suffering

A more general phrase encompassing various ways of showing pain, not necessarily vocal; less intense and direct.

FAQs

How can I use "cry of agony" in a sentence?

The phrase "cry of agony" is used to describe a loud vocal expression of intense pain, either physical or emotional. For example: After falling from the cliff, a "cry of agony" echoed through the valley.

What are some synonyms for "cry of agony"?

Some alternatives to "cry of agony" include "shriek of anguish", "wail of despair", or "howl of pain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between a "cry of agony" and a "cry of pain"?

While both phrases describe suffering, a "cry of agony" suggests a more intense and profound level of suffering than a simple "cry of pain". "Agony" implies extreme distress, whether physical or emotional.

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

Yes, "cry of agony" can be used in formal writing when the context warrants it. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure that the description is appropriate for the overall style of the piece. It is common in "news and media" contexts.