flow of tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"flow of tears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of crying or the physical manifestation of sadness. For example: "The heartbroken man was unable to contain his flow of tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

She managed to hold back, but that only increased the flow of tears.

The Guardian - Books

When they touch the cornea, they cause intense pain and a flow of tears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dacryocystitis, inflammation and infection of the lacrimal sac, usually stemming from obstruction of the flow of tears into the nose.

Britannica

Symptoms, consisting of intense pain and copious flow of tears, may not occur until some time after exposure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Diseases of the cornea also elicit a flow of tears because of a specialized reflex action that is part of the protective system of the eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Agatha squinted her eyes in real pain, or perhaps to prevent the flow of tears"; "Agatha was engulfed by her suffering, stalled like a storm front, shuffling silently through her task on slippered feet".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In the shifting crowds that filled the streets of downtown Cairo, advancing and retreating with the flow of tear gas, demonstrators said they had little faith in either the military-led government or the new Parliament.

The New York Times

It was left to a former Bristol player, Rob Higgitt, to score the final try at the ground before the final final whistle gave the cue for the flowing of tears and ale.

The Guardian - Sport

Drop some flowers there, or some thing you believe they would like, sit and let another flood of tears flow over you if you need to, then walk away with the knowledge that you are beyond the place where you can give them any more.

WikiHow

Yumi knew she was in love, and as she gazed into the fire, she couldn't stop the flow of warm tears.

The Guardian - Books

Theirs is a love story, and the irony is that both actors Vikander, with the alarmingly free flow of her tears, and Fassbender, in his injured stillness seem more suited to the agony of loss and separation than to marital delight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "flow of tears" to vividly describe a strong emotional response, whether caused by sadness, joy, or other intense feelings. It suggests a continuous and often overwhelming release of emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "flow of tears" in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound melodramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "increased lacrimation" or "emotional response" depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow of tears" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe the act of crying. It denotes a continuous release of tears, often associated with strong emotions. Ludwig AI's response indicates that it's a usable and grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flow of tears" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe crying, particularly when emphasizing the continuous release of tears due to strong emotions. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English and serves to vividly portray emotional responses. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although overuse in highly formal or technical writing is discouraged. Common alternatives include "stream of tears" or "torrent of tears", each subtly altering the image conveyed. With a good balance of frequency and descriptive power, "flow of tears" remains a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stream of tears

Changes "flow" to "stream", emphasizing a continuous outpouring of tears.

torrent of tears

Substitutes "flow" with "torrent", highlighting the intensity and abundance of tears.

gush of tears

Replaces "flow" with "gush", suggesting a sudden and forceful release of tears.

outburst of crying

Shifts from a noun phrase to a phrase describing the act of crying openly and emotionally.

fit of weeping

Uses "weeping" instead of "tears", indicating a more prolonged and intense crying episode.

burst into tears

Focuses on the sudden commencement of crying, changing the structure to a verb phrase.

weeping uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control over the act of crying, switching to an adverbial phrase.

eyes brimming with tears

Describes the physical state of the eyes filled with tears before they fall, using a descriptive phrase.

on the verge of crying

Indicates the imminence of crying, suggesting a state just before tears begin to flow.

sobbing deeply

Replaces the noun phrase with a verb phrase focusing on the act of sobbing which includes crying.

FAQs

How can I use "flow of tears" in a sentence?

You can use "flow of tears" to describe someone crying, such as, "The movie's ending triggered a /s/stream+of+tears." Alternatively, it can describe a physiological reaction, like, "Irritation caused a /s/gush+of+tears.

What's a more formal alternative to "flow of tears"?

In formal contexts, consider using "increased lacrimation" or "heightened emotional response" as alternatives to "flow of tears". These options offer a more neutral and professional tone.

Is "flow of tears" appropriate for scientific writing?

While grammatically correct, "flow of tears" might be too emotive for scientific writing. Instead, use terms like "lacrimal secretion" or "tear production" to maintain objectivity.

What is the difference between "flow of tears" and /s/torrent+of+tears?

"Flow of tears" suggests a steady, continuous release, whereas "torrent of tears" implies a more forceful and overwhelming outpouring of emotion.