felt like crying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "felt like crying" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when describing an emotional feeling, typically one of sadness or frustration. For example, "I felt like crying when I got the news of my grandmother's death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She felt like crying.

The New Yorker

She suddenly felt like crying.

The New Yorker

"I felt like crying," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

A lot of my friends felt like crying, too.

The New York Times

Firas Abasi said he felt like crying over the "victory".

The Guardian

I felt like crying a lot of times today.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Women were significantly more likely than men to affirm the item "I sometimes feel like crying".

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

I feel like crying.

Independent

I suddenly feel like crying.

The New Yorker

I feel like crying, too".

The New York Times

• To the Editor: I feel like crying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "felt like crying" to convey a strong emotional response, but consider the audience and context. In formal writing, alternatives like "was deeply moved" or "was on the verge of tears" may be more appropriate.

Common error

While "felt like crying" is acceptable in informal settings, overuse in formal or professional writing can diminish its impact. Opt for more nuanced or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "felt like crying" functions as a verb phrase expressing an emotional state. It indicates a strong feeling of sadness or distress that almost leads to tears. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "felt like crying" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong emotional response. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to communicate feelings of sadness, frustration, or being overwhelmed. While the phrase is widely used in news and media, academic writing, and even scientific contexts, it's important to consider the audience and context. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "was deeply moved" or "was on the verge of tears" might be more suitable. Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives allows for more precise and effective communication of emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was on the verge of tears

Highlights the proximity to actually crying, emphasizing the suppression of tears.

was close to tears

Similar to "was on the verge of tears" but slightly less intense.

had a lump in my throat

Focuses on the physical sensation associated with suppressed sadness.

was about to break down

Emphasizes the emotional instability and impending loss of control.

struggled to hold back tears

Highlights the effort involved in preventing oneself from crying.

felt a wave of sadness

Focuses on the sudden onset and intensity of the feeling of sadness.

felt heartbroken

Emphasizes a more intense feeling of sorrow and grief, typically related to loss.

felt overwhelmed with emotion

Generalizes the feeling to a broader sense of being emotionally overcome.

was deeply moved

Highlights the profound emotional impact of something.

felt a sense of despair

Indicates a feeling of hopelessness and loss of courage.

FAQs

How can I use "felt like crying" in a sentence?

You can use "felt like crying" to describe a strong emotional reaction. For example, "I "felt like crying" when I heard the news" or "She "felt like crying" after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "felt like crying"?

Alternatives include "was on the verge of tears", "was close to tears", or "had a lump in my throat". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "felt like crying"?

Yes, "felt like crying" is grammatically correct. The verb "felt" is in the past tense, and "crying" functions as a gerund, acting as the object of the preposition "like".

When is it appropriate to use "felt like crying" in writing?

"Felt like crying" is suitable for informal and narrative writing where you want to express a strong emotional response directly. Consider more formal alternatives like "was deeply moved" or "experienced profound sadness" in academic or professional contexts.