exclaim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exclaim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing something with strong emotion or emphasis, often in response to a surprising or exciting event. Example: "She couldn't help but exclaim in delight when she saw the surprise party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sea captain had to row the prince to the deserted island, the noble lord had to exclaim "My royal liege" to the deranged monarch, and the doctor later had to tell him his wife was dead.

The Guardian

The president's visit followed the Queen's highly successful visit to the Irish Republic in 2011 in which she prompted the then Irish president, Mary McAleese, to exclaim "wow" when she opened her speech at a banquet in Dublin Castle in Irish.

The Guardian

While waiting to get off the plane he heard a fellow passenger exclaim: "My god they're throwing guitars out there".

The Economist

"There is no al-Qaeda around here," exclaim Tutkai's incensed elders.

The Economist

But few people today climb into their car and exclaim at the absence of a horse to pull it.

The Economist

It is doubtful, for example, that Zeus, the father of the universe, would ever exclaim as Mr Mitchell has him do, that "I have a sensible plan", or even that Achilles, tempestuous as he is, would rally "To hell with that man…I don't give a damn about him".Similarly, although Mr Verity is far more restrained and scholarly in his translation, he too fails to capture the full force of Homer's work.

The Economist

Thus, my children can now exclaim at the end of each day "a CICADA landed on my hand" and "that's nothing: CICADAS crawled on my neck" (emphasis mine).Nor are we as colorful as you would have us.

The Economist

His anecdotes are enlightening (the girls exclaim with envy when told of an unmarried friend with an "elastic hymen" that seemingly never breaks) and, along the way, he conveys the sense and smell of Cairo, its hustle and humour, its near permanent state of traffic gridlock.

The Economist

Banners exclaim against hydrocarbons and capitalism.

The Economist

Thank God for it, exclaim the locals.

The Economist

Were Ibn Jubayr, Ibn Baṭṭūṭah, or other early visitors to return, they would not exclaim so much over a city set in green gardens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exclaim" to denote a sudden, often emotional, utterance. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of surprise, excitement, or strong feeling in dialogue or narration.

Common error

Avoid using "exclaim" in contexts that require a neutral tone. Opt for words like "say" or "state" when the utterance lacks strong emotion or surprise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exclaim" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of crying out or speaking suddenly and vehemently. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various narrative contexts to highlight emotional responses. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

11%

The New Yorker

23%

Less common in

Independent

14%

The Economist

6%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "exclaim" is a versatile verb used to express a sudden, strong expression or outcry. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is correct and widespread in written English. It is particularly common in narrative contexts within News & Media sources, The New Yorker, and encyclopedias, where it adds emphasis to dialogue or reactions. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to avoid "exclaim" in overly formal contexts, opting instead for more neutral terms like "say" or "state". Alternatives include "shout", "cry out", and "proclaim", each carrying slightly different connotations. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "exclaim" to enhance their storytelling and convey emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry out

Emphasizes the suddenness and intensity of the utterance, often associated with pain or surprise.

shout

Implies a louder and more forceful utterance, often to attract attention or express anger.

call out

Suggests a clear and distinct utterance, often directed at someone or something.

proclaim

Indicates a formal and public declaration, often of an important fact or belief.

cry

Highlights the emotional aspect of the utterance, often associated with sadness or joy.

utter

A more formal term for speaking, which may or may not be loud or emotional.

declare

To state something formally and emphatically.

announce

To make something known publicly or officially.

vocalize

To express something in words; to give voice to.

yell

To shout loudly, typically when angry, excited, or in pain.

FAQs

How can I use "exclaim" in a sentence?

Use "exclaim" to indicate a sudden and emphatic utterance, often expressing strong emotion. For example, "She couldn't help but "exclaim" in delight when she saw the surprise party".

What are some alternatives to "exclaim"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "shout", "cry out", or "proclaim".

Is it appropriate to use "exclaim" in formal writing?

While "exclaim" is grammatically correct, it may not be suitable for all formal writing. Consider the tone and context. In more formal settings, "state" or "declare" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "exclaim" from "say"?

"Exclaim" implies a heightened emotional state and a more sudden or forceful utterance, whereas "say" is a neutral term for speaking. Use "exclaim" when the manner of speaking is important.