crying a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crying a lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is frequently shedding tears, often due to strong emotions such as sadness or frustration. Example: "After the breakup, she found herself crying a lot during the evenings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was crying, a lot".

The New York Times

I was crying a lot.

The New Yorker

I've been crying a lot".

The New York Times

We were crying a lot".

The New York Times

She was crying a lot.

The Guardian

He was crying a lot.

The New Yorker

"I remember crying a lot that day.

The Guardian

So we came home crying a lot of the time".

The New Yorker

I think I was crying a lot at the time".

Independent

I'm not someone who goes around crying a lot.

Independent

I know we will all be crying a lot".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. While "crying a lot" is common, alternatives like "weeping frequently" or "sobbing uncontrollably" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "crying a lot" might sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated or technical terms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crying a lot" functions as a verb phrase with an adverbial modifier, indicating the action of crying performed frequently or intensely. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crying a lot" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe frequent or intense crying, often due to strong emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While suitable for general and news contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Consider using synonyms like "weeping frequently" or "sobbing uncontrollably" for varied expression. The phrase is versatile, easily understood, and effectively communicates a state of emotional distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weeping frequently

Focuses on the act of weeping, emphasizing the repeated nature.

constantly weeping

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the crying.

sobbing uncontrollably

Highlights the lack of control over the crying.

continually sobbing

Highlights the ongoing nature of the sobbing.

shedding many tears

Emphasizes the quantity of tears produced.

bawling one's eyes out

A more emphatic and informal way of expressing intense crying.

inconsolable grief

Focuses on the deep sorrow that leads to persistent crying.

frequently tearful

Describes a state of being prone to tears.

often in tears

Indicates a frequent state of sadness and crying.

experiencing intense sorrow

Shifts the focus to the underlying emotional pain.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "crying a lot"?

Saying someone is "crying a lot" means they are frequently shedding tears, often due to sadness, grief, or strong emotions.

What are some alternatives to "crying a lot"?

You can use alternatives like "weeping frequently", "sobbing uncontrollably", or "shedding many tears" to express a similar meaning.

Is "crying a lot" appropriate for formal writing?

While "crying a lot" is widely understood, it might be considered informal in highly formal contexts. More sophisticated terms might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

How can I use "crying a lot" in a sentence?

Example sentences include: "After the movie, she was crying a lot" or "He's been crying a lot since he heard the news".