crying out for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crying out for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong need or desire for something, often implying urgency. Example: "The community is crying out for better healthcare services to address the ongoing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Crying out for one.

The Guardian - Film

"He was crying out for his mother".

The New Yorker

The country is crying out for change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Children are crying out for their parents.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are all crying out for humanity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Television is crying out for change.

The Guardian - Tech

"The people are crying out for freedom.

The Washington Post

"I was crying out for help.

The New York Times - Arts

They are crying out for change.

The Guardian - Opinion

The man was crying out for help".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the time, the world was crying out for leaders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crying out for" to emphasize a strong, often urgent, need or desire, making sure the context clearly indicates what is lacking and why it is important.

Common error

Avoid using "crying out for" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs" or "wants" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crying out for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle used to emphasize an urgent need or a strong desire. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable state in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crying out for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong and often urgent need or desire. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence across news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in casual settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. When used thoughtfully, "crying out for" can effectively emphasize critical lacks and inspire action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire need of

Highlights the urgency and necessity of something.

urgently requiring

Focuses on the immediate need for something.

yearning for

Emphasizes a deep longing or persistent desire.

badly needing

Indicates a strong level of necessity.

longing for

Similar to yearning, but perhaps less intense.

desperately seeking

Conveys a sense of urgency and active pursuit.

keenly desiring

Emphasizes the intensity of the wish or need.

aching for

Highlights the pain or discomfort of lacking something.

clamoring for

Suggests a noisy and insistent demand.

importunately requesting

Formal and highlights the persistence of the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "crying out for" to express a strong need or desire. For example, "The community is crying out for better healthcare services" or "The old building is crying out for renovation."

What's a good alternative to "crying out for"?

Alternatives include "yearning for", "in dire need of", or "desperately seeking", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "crying out for"?

It's appropriate to use "crying out for" when you want to emphasize a strong, often urgent need or desire. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing serious issues.

Is "crying out for" too dramatic for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "crying out for" might sound overly dramatic in casual conversations. In such contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "really needs" or "wants badly".