cry of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

"cry of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a sound that someone or something makes when they are experiencing physical pain. Example: She let out a loud cry of pain as the doctor pulled the splinter from her finger.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was a cry of pain.

The Economist

Moving the joint elicited a sharp cry of pain.

The New York Times - Magazine

To me, my lady, it was a cry of pain.

The Guardian

There's one cry of pain after another in his letters.

The New York Times - Arts

"When you hear a cry of pain, hear a prayer".

The New York Times

Is shrill or cacophonous, saturated or somber color a cry of pain or grief?

The New York Times - Arts

"A vocal thing, a cry of pain and joy just like the blues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

You could understand the cries of pain.

The New York Times

His cries of pain are my vindication".

The New York Times - Books

I am rather enjoying the resulting cries of pain.

The Guardian

Moments later, Lord Freud's cries of pain echoed throughout Westminster.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry of pain" to vividly describe a moment of intense physical or emotional suffering. It is most effective when you want to emphasize the immediate, audible reaction to pain.

Common error

Avoid using "cry of pain" too casually in metaphorical contexts. Overusing it can dilute its impact when you need to describe genuine suffering. Ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry of pain" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a vocal expression resulting from physical or emotional suffering. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a sound someone makes when experiencing pain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry of pain" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a vocal expression of suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases, such as "shout of pain" and "wail of anguish", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intensity and nature of the pain. When using "cry of pain", ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong depiction of suffering to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shout of pain

Replaces "cry" with "shout", emphasizing the loudness and suddenness of the expression.

wail of anguish

Uses "wail" and "anguish" to suggest a prolonged and deeply felt sorrow.

sound of suffering

Replaces "cry" with "sound" and "pain" with "suffering", broadening the expression to any audible indication of distress.

outcry of agony

Substitutes "cry" with "outcry" and "pain" with "agony", intensifying the feeling of intense suffering.

expression of torment

Shifts from a vocalization to a broader "expression", implying any outward sign of extreme distress or "torment".

yelp of hurt

Replaces "cry" with "yelp" to suggest a sudden and sharp expression of "hurt".

groan of discomfort

Suggests a lower intensity and more subdued expression of unease or "discomfort".

whimper of distress

Implies a quiet, subdued expression of "distress", often indicating vulnerability.

moan of agony

Replaces "cry" with "moan", emphasizing a drawn-out, low sound, suggesting prolonged "agony".

lament of sorrow

Uses more formal and poetic terms, "lament" and "sorrow", to evoke deep grief.

FAQs

What does "cry of pain" mean?

A "cry of pain" refers to a vocal expression, often a shout or scream, that someone makes when experiencing physical or emotional suffering.

What can I say instead of "cry of pain"?

You can use alternatives like "shout of pain", "wail of anguish", or "sound of suffering" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "cry of pain" formal or informal?

The phrase "cry of pain" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive or narrative writing rather than highly technical or academic prose.

How to use "cry of pain" in a sentence?

You can use "cry of pain" to describe a character's reaction to an injury, a difficult emotional experience, or a situation causing distress. For instance, "Her "cry of pain" echoed through the empty house after she stubbed her toe."