crying for help

USAGE SUMMARY

"crying for help" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is desperately seeking assistance or aid. Here is an example sentence: When I heard my neighbor's desperate cries for help, I immediately called 911.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People crying for help.

The Guardian

The wife was crying for help.

The Guardian - Books

Many students are crying for help.

The New Yorker

Children and women, some were crying for help".

Independent

Mr. Zimmerman told police he was crying for help.

The New York Times

"He was crying for help before he was killed.

The Guardian

Trapped eyes that seem to be crying for help.

The New York Times - Style

There he heard people crying for help under a nearby fallen roof.

The New Yorker

Trayvon's mother said the voice that was crying for help belonged to her son.

The New York Times

"It was total chaos outside and people were running and crying for help".

The Guardian

When the dust settled, I saw people crying for help and body parts scattered everywhere".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crying for help", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the distress and the type of assistance needed. Avoid using it in overly dramatic or hyperbolic situations to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "crying for help" metaphorically for minor inconveniences or complaints. Reserve it for genuine emergencies or situations where someone is in serious distress; otherwise, it dilutes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crying for help" functions as a verbal phrase describing a state of distress and urgent need for assistance. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing both literal calls for rescue and metaphorical situations where aid is desperately required. Ludwig AI confirms it's a proper phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crying for help" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict a desperate plea for assistance. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively conveys urgency and distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the context to avoid overuse in non-critical situations. Alternatives such as "pleading for assistance" or "appealing for aid" may be more suitable in formal settings. The phrase is frequently employed in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC, underscoring its widespread acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire need of help

Highlights the severity and urgency of the need.

pleading for assistance

Emphasizes the act of begging for help, highlighting desperation.

calling for rescue

Specifically indicates a need for immediate rescue from a dangerous situation.

issuing an sos

Highlights a formal call for help in an emergency situation.

appealing for aid

Focuses on making a formal request for support or assistance.

desperate for support

Focuses on the intense need for emotional or practical support.

shouting for assistance

Emphasizes the loudness and urgency of the call for help.

seeking immediate intervention

Emphasizes the need for quick and decisive action to resolve a crisis.

begging for mercy

Highlights a desperate plea for compassion and leniency.

raising the alarm

Focuses on alerting others to a dangerous situation requiring urgent attention.

FAQs

How can I use "crying for help" in a sentence?

You can use "crying for help" to describe someone in desperate need of assistance, for example: "The earthquake survivors were "crying for help" as rescue teams arrived." You can also use it metaphorically to describe a business or organization in severe distress.

What are some alternatives to "crying for help"?

Alternatives to "crying for help" include "pleading for assistance", "appealing for aid", or "calling for rescue", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "crying for help" in formal writing?

While "crying for help" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and context of your writing. In some formal contexts, more neutral or specific phrases like "requesting assistance" or "seeking support" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone is described as "crying for help"?

When someone is described as "crying for help", it means they are in a dire situation and desperately seeking assistance, whether it's physical, emotional, or financial. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and distress.