he was weeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was weeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is crying or expressing deep sorrow or emotion. Example: "As the news of his departure sank in, he was weeping quietly in the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He was weeping.

The New York Times

By the end of the film he was weeping uncontrollably.

Independent

If he was weeping, he did not know it.

The New Yorker

As Mr. Hossaini photographed, he realized he was weeping.

The New York Times

He was weeping, with rough ugly painful sobs.

The New Yorker

It sounded at this point as if he was weeping.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"My first contact with my mother was three years after I'd left, and my parents had no idea what had happened to me," said Abdul Hamid Rather, who left India-controlled Kashmir in 2001 when he was 14. "She was weeping, and I was weeping".

The New York Times

It was as if he were weeping.

The New Yorker

He's weeping with joy and generally going beserk.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ask him why he is weeping," the emperor said to the interpreter".

Independent

When he told Hal, spray filmed Hal's glasses and made him look as if he were weeping.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "He was weeping" is suitable for formal writing and literary contexts to emphasize the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "he was weeping" in very casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "he was crying" to maintain a natural tone. Overusing it in informal contexts can sound melodramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was weeping" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of emotional distress. It uses the past continuous tense to convey an ongoing action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

6%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was weeping" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express deep sorrow or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and correctness. While synonyms like "he was crying" and "he was sobbing" exist, "he was weeping" carries a more formal and literary tone. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase "he was weeping", ensure the context aligns with its somber and slightly elevated tone. Avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Remember that while grammatically correct, choosing the right phrase depends heavily on the intended impact and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was crying

Replaces "weeping" with a more common synonym, "crying", for broader understanding.

he was sobbing

Emphasizes the intensity of crying with convulsive gasps.

he was in tears

Indicates a state of being overcome by sadness.

he broke down in tears

Highlights a sudden onset of crying.

tears streamed down his face

Focuses on the physical manifestation of crying.

he shed tears

A more formal way of saying he cried.

he was overcome with grief

Explains the emotional cause of the crying.

he grieved openly

Emphasizes the public display of sorrow.

he mourned deeply

Focuses on the act of grieving, which may or may not involve crying.

he lamented sorrowfully

Uses more descriptive words to convey the depth and manner of grieving.

FAQs

What does "he was weeping" mean?

The phrase "he was weeping" means that a person was crying, often implying a deep sense of sorrow or grief. It's a more literary way to say "he was crying".

When is it appropriate to use "he was weeping"?

It is appropriate to use "he was weeping" in formal writing, literature, or when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of someone's sadness or grief. In casual conversation, "he was crying" might be more suitable.

Are there synonyms for "he was weeping"?

Yes, some synonyms for "he was weeping" include "he was sobbing", "he was in tears", and "tears streamed down his face". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he was weeping" more formal than "he was crying"?

Yes, "he was weeping" is generally considered more formal and literary than "he was crying". "Weeping" often implies a deeper, more profound sorrow, while "crying" is a more general term.