desperate cry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate cry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, urgent call for help or attention, often in a distressing situation. Example: "In the midst of the chaos, her desperate cry for help echoed through the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"This is a desperate cry for attention".

Independent

"But couvade just seems sad, a desperate cry for attention.

The New York Times - Style

Or is it a cornered beast whose threats are a desperate cry for a way out?

The New York Times

In 1949, Willy's desperate cry — "the competition is maddening!" — must have chilled theatergoers for whom competition still had a mostly positive connotation.

The New York Times

But he says he had a change of heart after seeing a video of himself talking about it, describing it as a "desperate cry to be young".

The New York Times - Arts

His conspiracy theories about President Obama's birth certificate were just a desperate cry for attention: an appeal to the fringes that made him the butt of all jokes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Desperate cries for help are punctuated by two shots.

The New Yorker

From the college, he issued a series of increasingly desperate cries for help.

The New Yorker

The tumult produced desperate cries for assistance that are still echoing on social media.

The New York Times

"I was desperate, crying, especially when the night was coming," said his wife, also named Ana.

The New York Times

The snowman-filled windows aren't triumphant pieces of manipulation, they are desperate cries for help.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperate cry" to convey a sense of urgency and emotional distress. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate cry" in contexts where the situation is not genuinely dire or emotionally charged. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate cry" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an intense and urgent expression of need or distress, often implying a critical or life-threatening situation. Ludwig showcases examples where the phrase underscores the severity of a character's or group's circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperate cry" is a common and effective way to express intense urgency and emotional distress in writing. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase to evoke empathy and highlight critical situations. While appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Related phrases include "urgent plea" and "frantic appeal". Overall, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, making it a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey a sense of urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desperate plea

Redundant but strengthens the desperation aspect.

urgent plea

Focuses on the urgency and earnestness of the request.

frantic appeal

Emphasizes the anxiety and desperation behind the call for help.

anguished appeal

Highlights the deep emotional pain associated with the plea.

agonized shout

Highlights the pain and intensity of the vocal expression.

distressed call

A more general term indicating a communication made under duress.

frantic yell

Focuses on the uncontrolled and panicked nature of the vocalization.

plea for help

A straightforward expression of seeking assistance.

cry for mercy

Specifically requests compassion or leniency.

soulful lament

Emphasizes deep sorrow and mourning in the expression.

FAQs

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

Use "desperate cry" to describe an urgent and emotional plea for help, such as "Her "desperate cry" echoed through the empty building."

What phrases are similar to "desperate cry"?

Similar phrases include "urgent plea", "frantic appeal", or "plea for help", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "desperate cry" and a "plea for help"?

While both express a need for assistance, "desperate cry" suggests a higher level of urgency and emotional distress compared to a general "plea for help".

When is it appropriate to use "desperate cry" in writing?

It's appropriate when depicting situations involving extreme urgency, fear, or emotional pain, where a simple request for help is insufficient to capture the intensity of the moment.