cry uncontrollably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry uncontrollably" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is crying in a way that they cannot control, often due to strong emotions. Example: "After hearing the news, she began to cry uncontrollably, unable to hold back her tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

She began to cry uncontrollably and have trouble sleeping.

The New York Times

Priscilla was appalled & quickly dismantled it before Ma could see it, then began to cry uncontrollably.

The New Yorker

That night, after all of the celebratory texts and hugs, I sat in my room and began to cry uncontrollably.

The New York Times

Her youngest daughters, two-year-old twins, start to cry uncontrollably when they see the visitors enter the living room.

The Guardian

And one of Finders Key's friends on Facebook said: "The scene where Joey loses his friend, the black horse, made me cry uncontrollably.

The New York Times - Sports

He smiles and greets me, but when I lean to kiss him a faintness sweeps over me, and suddenly I begin to cry — uncontrollably — for the first time since bringing Ray to the hospital.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Some cried uncontrollably.

The New York Times

She was crying uncontrollably.

The Washington Post

And this family was just crying uncontrollably.

The New York Times

"She was crying uncontrollably until this morning".

The New York Times

Karen cried uncontrollably during the meeting.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that evokes extreme emotional responses, "cry uncontrollably" can be used to highlight the impact of the event on individuals.

Common error

While effective in descriptive writing, avoid using "cry uncontrollably" in formal reports or professional documents where a more restrained tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "displayed signs of distress" or "became visibly upset".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry uncontrollably" functions as a verb phrase, where "cry" is the main verb and "uncontrollably" is an adverb modifying it. This phrase describes the manner in which someone is crying, emphasizing the lack of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

HuffPost

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Critical Care

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cry uncontrollably" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe intense, unrestrained crying. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in descriptive and narrative writing. While it's suitable for news and general contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "weep inconsolably" or "burst into tears" for nuanced expression. Avoiding overuse and being mindful of register are key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weep inconsolably

Emphasizes deep sorrow and inability to be comforted.

sob violently

Highlights the physical manifestation of crying with force.

burst into tears

Focuses on the sudden onset of crying.

break down in tears

Implies a collapse of emotional control.

cry one's heart out

Expresses deep emotional release through crying.

bawl one's eyes out

Suggests loud and unrestrained crying.

dissolve into tears

Paints a picture of gradually losing control and succumbing to sadness.

be reduced to tears

Focuses on the result of being overwhelmed by emotion.

cry buckets

Informal way to describe crying a lot.

shed copious tears

Highlights the large amount of tears produced.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cry uncontrollably"?

To "cry uncontrollably" means to cry in a way that is impossible to stop or control, often due to intense emotions such as sadness, grief, or pain.

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

You can use "cry uncontrollably" to describe a person's emotional state: "After hearing the news, she began to "cry uncontrollably".

What are some alternatives to "cry uncontrollably"?

You can use alternatives like "weep inconsolably", "sob violently", or "burst into tears" to express similar meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cry uncontrollably"?

Yes, "cry uncontrollably" is grammatically correct. "Cry" is the verb, and "uncontrollably" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating how the action is performed.