he was sobbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was sobbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is crying uncontrollably or with great emotion. Example: "After hearing the news, he was sobbing in the corner, unable to compose himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He was sobbing.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was sobbing like an infant.

The New York Times - Sports

By the end, he was sobbing into her chest.

The New Yorker

He was sobbing when he came out of surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was sobbing when he went into surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sobbing for the last four minutes, before he remembered to stop recording.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He said she was sobbing and having trouble breathing.

The New York Times

He's sobbing.

The Economist

He is sobbing loudly and our youngest stops throwing underwear across the floor and looks up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Last year, while recovering from brain injuries sustained in bike crashes, Nydam volunteered to help coach Team Rwanda for several months, and he told me this story about Jock: "We walk into the office one time, and he's sobbing.

The New Yorker

If he is sobbing in front of me, sometimes I want to cry with him, but the pain and sorrow is a measure of love and showing emotion is a healthy thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if "he was sobbing" is the most appropriate choice. While descriptive, it can sometimes be too intense for situations where a more subtle expression of sadness is desired.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "he was sobbing" as a dialogue tag. Instead, vary your descriptions with actions or quieter emotional cues to avoid monotony. For example, "His voice cracked as he spoke, tears welling in his eyes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was sobbing" functions as a descriptive clause, detailing the emotional state of a male subject. It uses the past continuous tense to convey an ongoing action, indicating the subject was in the process of sobbing. This description aims to evoke empathy and understanding from the reader.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was sobbing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to depict intense emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. It serves to describe the subject's emotional state, aiming to evoke empathy or understanding. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance required for the writing, with alternatives like "he was weeping" or "he was crying uncontrollably" offering similar but slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was weeping

Replaces "sobbing" with "weeping", indicating a more controlled or quiet form of crying.

he was crying uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control over the crying, highlighting its intensity.

he was bawling

Implies a loud, unrestrained type of crying.

he was in tears

A more general expression indicating that the person was crying.

he broke down in tears

Focuses on the sudden onset of crying, suggesting an emotional collapse.

he was shedding tears

A more formal way to say someone was crying.

he was overcome with grief

Indicates the cause of the crying, emphasizing the feeling of sorrow.

he was mourning

Suggests a deeper, more prolonged period of sadness and crying due to loss.

he was inconsolable

Highlights the inability to be comforted, emphasizing the depth of the sadness.

he was reduced to tears

Focuses on the effect of something causing the person to cry.

FAQs

How can I use "he was sobbing" in a sentence?

Use "he was sobbing" to describe someone crying intensely and uncontrollably. For example, "After losing the competition, "he was sobbing" into his hands."

What are some alternatives to "he was sobbing"?

You can use alternatives such as "he was weeping", "he was crying uncontrollably", or "he was in tears" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "he was sobbing" and "he was crying"?

"He was crying" is a general term, while ""he was sobbing"" implies a more intense, convulsive form of crying often associated with deep sorrow or distress.

Is "he was sobbing" formal or informal?

"He was sobbing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might prefer "he was weeping".