cry out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry out" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is usually used to mean to shout or call out in a loud voice. Example: The singer's passionate lyrics prompted the crowd to cry out in appreciation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did Reeva cry out?

Independent

Let me cry out, again!

The New Yorker

They cry out for dialogue.

The New York Times - Books

I just wanted to cry out loud.

The New York Times

"Old problems cry out for better results".

The New York Times

Two reforms cry out to be made.

The Guardian - Opinion

These plans, too, cry out for reconsideration.

The New York Times

I didn't cry out or jump up and down.

Princeton University

So, readers, what areas cry out for food-truck invasion?

The New York Times

These similarities cry out for an explanation.

SEP

There are men who cry out: We must sacrifice.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry out" when you want to emphasize a vocal expression of strong emotion, such as pain, fear, or desperation. It effectively conveys a sense of urgency or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "cry out" in situations where a simple "say" or "mention" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or exaggerated. Reserve it for scenarios involving genuine emotional intensity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cry out" is as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the action of making a loud vocalization, often due to strong emotion or physical distress. Ludwig examples show it used both literally (shouting) and figuratively (demanding attention).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cry out" is a versatile verb phrase that effectively conveys strong emotions, signals distress, or draws attention to important issues. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, it also appears in Wiki and Science sources. When writing, remember that "cry out" is most impactful when used to depict genuine emotional intensity and that other words can be used such as "call out", "shout" and "scream" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shout

Emphasizes a loud vocalization, lacking the potential implication of distress.

call out

Focuses on the act of vocally attracting attention or summoning someone.

exclaim

Suggests a sudden and often surprised or excited utterance.

yell

Implies a louder and more forceful vocalization than "cry out".

scream

Conveys a higher level of distress, fear, or excitement than "cry out".

bellow

Implies a very loud, deep shout, often conveying anger or command.

roar

Suggests a powerful, animalistic vocalization.

vociferate

Indicates a loud and vehement expression of opinions or feelings.

squeal

Indicates a high-pitched cry, often from excitement or fear.

shriek

Similar to scream, but with an even higher pitch and intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "cry out" in a sentence?

You can use "cry out" to describe someone shouting due to pain, fear, or strong emotion. For example, "She cried out in pain when she stubbed her toe."

What's the difference between "cry out" and "call out"?

"Cry out" typically implies a stronger emotional response, often in distress, while ""call out"" is a more general term for shouting or speaking loudly to get someone's attention.

Which is a better choice, "cry out" or "scream"?

The choice between "cry out" and ""scream"" depends on the intensity you wish to convey. "Scream" suggests a louder, more piercing cry, often associated with extreme fear or pain, while "cry out" can encompass a broader range of strong emotions.

What are some situations where I might "cry out for help"?

You might ""cry out for help"" in situations of danger, distress, or when facing an overwhelming challenge. It signifies a desperate plea for assistance.