dissolve into tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dissolve into tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who suddenly starts crying, often due to overwhelming emotions. Example: "After hearing the heartbreaking news, she couldn't hold back any longer and began to dissolve into tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The pressure of having so much riding on every punch caused Esparza to dissolve into tears in the interview area.

The New York Times - Sports

Some macho guys who are dragged reluctantly to sentimental films by their girlfriends no doubt still dissolve into tears.

The New York Times

He gets it!' "Another time, I played him a CD of his favourite songs and watched him dissolve into tears.

Independent

She was smaller than I was, and when she hugged me in the living room she seemed to dissolve into tears between the piano and the grandfather clock.

The New Yorker

In a slum outside the grand old city of Lahore, a woman named Saima Muhammad used to dissolve into tears every evening.

The New York Times - Magazine

Michael Barrymore's tendency to dissolve into tears, Eighties pop singer Pete Burns' vicious verbal attacks, basketball player Dennis Rodman's crude sexual advances and George Galloway's cat impersonations all made the public love Chantelle more for being so normal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

My daughters quickly dissolved into tears.

The New York Times

Counseling improved matters significantly, but Mrs. Bachmuth still occasionally dissolved into tears at home.

The New York Times

Believe me, it's not just the athletes dissolving into tears.

Independent

In the end, both men dissolved into tears as they acknowledged their guilt.

The New York Times

She dissolved into tears, wavered and then decided to come out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissolve into tears" to depict a situation where someone is gradually overwhelmed by emotion, leading to crying. It implies a process rather than a sudden outburst.

Common error

Avoid using "dissolve into tears" when describing a sudden, sharp cry or a brief moment of sadness. Instead, use it for situations where the emotion builds up over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dissolve into tears" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of gradually beginning to cry, implying a loss of emotional control. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dissolve into tears" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to portray a gradual onset of crying due to overwhelming emotions. Analysis of examples from Ludwig AI shows it's particularly frequent in News & Media contexts. While alternatives such as "burst into tears" or "break down in tears" exist, "dissolve into tears" uniquely highlights the progressive yielding to emotion. It's crucial to distinguish this gradual process from sudden outbursts when selecting the right expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst into tears

Focuses on the sudden and forceful eruption of crying, emphasizing the lack of control.

break down in tears

Emphasizes the loss of emotional control and the inability to remain composed.

burst out crying

Highlights the sudden start of crying, similar to "burst into tears" but slightly more general.

start weeping uncontrollably

Describes a state of crying that is difficult to stop, emphasizing lack of control.

give way to tears

Suggests a yielding to overwhelming sadness, implying a prior effort to hold back emotions.

begin to sob

Highlights the act of sobbing as the primary manifestation of emotional distress.

shed tears

A more general term for crying, without necessarily implying a loss of control.

succumb to weeping

Suggests a surrender to sadness, similar to "give way to tears" but slightly more formal.

be overcome with emotion

Describes the experience of being intensely moved, often resulting in tears.

lose control and cry

Emphasizes the loss of composure leading to crying, highlighting the inability to manage emotions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "dissolve into tears"?

To "dissolve into tears" means to gradually be overcome by emotion, typically sadness or grief, leading to a weeping state. It suggests a process where emotional control lessens over time.

Which is more appropriate, "burst into tears" or "dissolve into tears"?

"Burst into tears" suggests a sudden, intense onset of crying. "Dissolve into tears" implies a gradual yielding to emotion. Choose based on the context.

Can "dissolve into tears" describe happy crying?

While typically used for sadness, "dissolve into tears" can describe being overwhelmed by extreme joy or relief, though it's less common. Consider if the gradual yielding aspect fits the emotional experience.

What are some alternatives to "dissolve into tears"?

Alternatives include "break down in tears", "give way to tears", or "start weeping". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.