hold back tears

USAGE SUMMARY

'hold back tears' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are in a situation where you are feeling emotional or in pain, but do not want to show it. Example Sentence: She was so overwhelmed that she wanted to cry, but she managed to hold back tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another chance to hold back tears.

The New Yorker

…" she said, stopping for several seconds to hold back tears.

The New York Times

I forgive you'," Tanooka added, struggling to hold back tears.

The Guardian

I try to hold back tears and fail.

The Washington Post

He, too, could not hold back tears in his eulogy.

The New York Times

She finished the routine, but failed to hold back tears.

The New York Times - Sports

One holds his hand to his eyes as if to hold back tears.

The New York Times - Arts

I couldn't hold back tears for months every time I saw their pictures".

Independent

It was hard to hold back tears, emotional, it was very deep," said Mr Buckner.

Independent

As the proceedings ended, Officer Valle stood with his lawyers and appeared to hold back tears.

The New York Times

She tried, as so many gold medalists have before her, to hold back tears.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold back tears" to describe a situation where someone is visibly emotional but trying to maintain composure. For example, "During the heartfelt speech, she had to "hold back tears".

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, overuse of "hold back tears" can sound melodramatic in very formal or technical writing. Opt for more restrained language when describing emotional responses in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold back tears" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe someone's action of suppressing or controlling their urge to cry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold back tears" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of suppressing the urge to cry. According to Ludwig, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Its primary function is to convey emotional distress while simultaneously emphasizing the effort to maintain composure. It appears most frequently in News & Media, suggesting its suitability for reporting on emotional situations. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where more restrained language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "fight back tears" or "struggle to contain tears" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fight back tears

Emphasizes a struggle against crying, suggesting a more active effort to restrain emotions.

struggle to contain tears

Highlights the difficulty in controlling the urge to cry, focusing on the internal battle.

try not to cry

A more direct and simple way of expressing the attempt to avoid crying.

suppress tears

Indicates a conscious effort to prevent tears from flowing, suggesting a more forceful restraint.

stifle tears

Implies a muffling or quieting of the emotional response, focusing on reducing the outward display of sadness.

choke back tears

Suggests a physical sensation of constriction in the throat, indicating a strong emotional response being suppressed.

keep from crying

A straightforward expression of the desire to avoid crying, emphasizing the preventive action.

restrain tears

Focuses on the act of controlling or limiting the flow of tears, highlighting the effort to maintain composure.

control one's emotions

A broader phrase that encompasses managing all feelings, including sadness, to prevent crying.

mask one's sadness

Implies hiding or concealing the underlying sadness, which may or may not involve preventing tears.

FAQs

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

"Hold back tears" describes someone trying not to cry. For example: "Despite the bad news, she tried to "hold back tears".

What's a more formal way to say "hold back tears"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "suppress emotions" or "maintain composure" to convey a similar meaning with greater restraint.

What does it mean to "choke back tears"?

"Choke back tears" is similar to "hold back tears" but emphasizes the physical sensation of suppressing strong emotion. It suggests a struggle to prevent oneself from crying.

Is it better to "hold back tears" or let them flow?

Whether to "hold back tears" or allow them to flow depends on the situation and personal preference. Sometimes, it's appropriate to express emotions openly; other times, maintaining composure is necessary.