fighting back tears

USAGE SUMMARY

'fighting back tears' is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it when you are talking about someone attempting to stop themselves from crying. Example sentence: She swiftly turned her head away from me, fighting back tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He wasn't fighting back tears.

The New York Times - Magazine

She woke up fighting back tears.

The New Yorker

You can hear her fighting back tears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Three victims spoke, often fighting back tears.

The Guardian

My face aches, fighting back tears.

The Guardian - Travel

"Yes, I did lie," Mr. Davis said, fighting back tears.

The New York Times

The final night, she recalled fighting back tears.

The New York Times - Arts

"Great," I say, sitting on the floor, fighting back tears.

The New Yorker

'I am a childless father,' he whispered, fighting back tears".

The New York Times

"I'm really gutted," she said, fighting back tears.

Independent

The young man seemed to be fighting back tears.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fighting back tears" to vividly describe a moment of strong emotion when someone is actively trying to maintain composure. It adds depth and relatability to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fighting back tears" when a milder expression of sadness would be more appropriate. This phrase suggests a significant internal struggle, so ensure the context warrants such intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fighting back tears" functions as a gerund phrase often used as part of a descriptive clause. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct English construction. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the emotional state of a subject in a sentence. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing reactions to emotional or stressful situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fighting back tears" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone attempting to suppress the act of crying, often due to strong emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. It most frequently appears in news and media contexts to add emotional depth to narratives. While versatile, it's important to consider the intensity of the phrase and ensure it aligns with the emotional weight of the situation being described. Alternatives such as ""holding back tears"" or ""choking back tears"" can offer slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtle differences can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holding back tears

Emphasizes the action of restraining tears, similar in meaning but uses "holding" instead of "fighting".

choking back tears

Highlights the struggle to suppress tears, suggesting a more intense emotional experience.

suppressing tears

Focuses on the act of actively preventing tears from flowing, a more clinical term.

restraining tears

Similar to "suppressing tears", but implies a more conscious effort to control emotions.

on the verge of tears

Indicates being close to crying but not actively trying to stop it necessarily.

near tears

A shorter, more direct way of saying someone is almost crying.

barely holding it together

Describes a general struggle to maintain composure, which may include suppressing tears.

trying not to cry

A straightforward description of the action, less idiomatic than "fighting back tears".

containing their emotions

Broader phrase that includes suppressing sadness which leads to tears.

keeping a stiff upper lip

Suggests a cultural expectation of emotional restraint, particularly in the face of adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "fighting back tears" in a sentence?

You can use "fighting back tears" to describe someone who is trying not to cry. For example, "She was "fighting back tears" as she delivered the news."

What does "fighting back tears" mean?

"Fighting back tears" means that someone is trying very hard not to cry, usually because they are feeling a strong emotion such as sadness, grief, or even happiness.

What are some synonyms for "fighting back tears"?

Some alternatives to "fighting back tears" include "holding back tears", "choking back tears", or "suppressing tears". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "fighting back tears" in formal writing?

Yes, "fighting back tears" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing emotional reactions in news reports or literary analyses. However, consider whether a more formal synonym like "restraining tears" might be more suitable for certain contexts.