cry of anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

"cry of anguish" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud and distressing sound made by someone experiencing extreme emotional or physical pain. Example: As she fell to the ground, her cry of anguish echoed through the forest, causing the birds to scatter and the animals to freeze in fear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Arts

Books

Music

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

My son uttered a cry of anguish.

The New Yorker

The result is a conservationist cry of anguish as deep as it is discreet.

The New York Times - Arts

The weirdly keening soundtrack is an electronically extended version of his high-pitched cry of anguish.

The New York Times - Arts

Actually, on tasting the wine, he offered a grimace and a cry of anguish.

The New York Times

But, in Pavlensky's mind, his action was less a helpless cry of anguish than an aggressive statement of defiance.

The Guardian - Arts

The words seems like a cry of anguish, the missing line, the blank space, like a freeze, or a death.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

(And his cries of anguish can disturb your sleep).

The New York Times - Magazine

Certainly the cries of anguish from prominent fishing countries suggested that the proposed cuts will hurt.

The Economist

Ian Rogers of Save the Children said he could hear cries of anguish and mourning.

The Guardian

The intensity of the bombardment, the cries of anguish and geysers of blood recall the Normandy landing in "Private Ryan".

The New York Times

He tolerates brutality and coercion as instruments of state power, deaf to the cries of anguish from its victims.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry of anguish" to vividly depict moments of intense emotional or physical suffering in literature, news reporting, or personal narratives. Ensure the context clearly establishes the cause and severity of the anguish.

Common error

Avoid using "cry of anguish" to describe minor disappointments or inconveniences. This phrase denotes extreme suffering, and its overuse can dilute its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry of anguish" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a verb, describing a specific instance of vocalized suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammatical form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

9%

Books

6%

Less common in

Music

3%

Arts

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry of anguish" is a powerful and evocative expression used to depict intense suffering, whether emotional or physical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media, literature, and formal contexts. While appropriate for describing significant distress, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases such as "expression of agony" or "wail of despair" offer alternative ways to convey similar sentiments. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures its effective use in writing, and avoid overusing it in situations of minor disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pained scream

A scream emphasizes the intensity and suddenness of the anguish.

expression of agony

Focuses on the outward display of intense suffering, rather than the vocalization.

wail of despair

Highlights the hopelessness and desperation associated with the suffering.

outburst of grief

Emphasizes the sudden and uncontrolled release of sorrow.

shriek of pain

Specifically refers to physical suffering rather than emotional.

lament of sorrow

Implies a more formal and prolonged expression of grief.

anguished sob

Focuses on weeping as a sign of deep distress, rather than a vocal cry.

keen of anguish

Uses the term "keen" to suggest a high-pitched, piercing sound of sorrow, which is a more traditional or literary expression.

moan of suffering

Suggests a lower, more subdued expression of pain compared to a cry.

groan of agony

Similar to a moan, but can also imply physical pain and is a non vocal alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "cry of anguish" to describe a vocal expression of intense suffering. For example, "The victim's "cry of anguish" echoed through the silent streets after the attack."

What are some alternatives to "cry of anguish"?

You can use alternatives like "expression of agony", "outburst of grief", or "wail of despair" depending on the context and the specific emotion you want to convey.

What is the difference between "cry of anguish" and "cry of despair"?

"Cry of anguish" generally refers to a response to immediate pain or suffering, while "cry of despair" indicates a feeling of hopelessness and loss of courage.

Is "cry of anguish" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "cry of anguish" is appropriate for formal writing when describing situations involving extreme pain or suffering. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.