i teared up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I teared up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone became emotional and started to cry or felt like crying, often in response to something touching or sad. Example: "During the movie's final scene, I teared up as the characters said their goodbyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I teared up.

The Guardian - Film

That was it: I teared up.

The New Yorker

"I teared up the whole time".

The New York Times

"But I teared up and couldn't finish".

The New York Times

"But I teared up out there.

The New Yorker

I admit it, I teared up a bit.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I teared up a couple of times," she admitted.

The New York Times

I teared up when my gynecologist said she was sending me to a breast surgeon.

The New York Times - Health

I teared up at the thought of my own generosity and their certain gratitude.

The New York Times - Magazine

All she had to say was "soft custard of slowly scrambled eggs" and I teared up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I teared-up a bit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, follow "i teared up" with a brief explanation of what triggered the emotion. This provides context and allows the reader to connect more deeply with your experience.

Common error

Avoid using "i teared up" excessively, as it can diminish the impact. Instead, vary your descriptions of emotional responses to maintain the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i teared up" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal emotional reaction. It describes the onset of tears due to a specific feeling or situation, indicating a moment of vulnerability or sentimentality. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i teared up" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an emotional response characterized by the onset of tears. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage, particularly in news, media, and personal narratives. While suitable for expressing vulnerability and empathy, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and consider the context, opting for more formal alternatives when necessary. Related expressions include "i got emotional" and "i felt like crying", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to enhance its impact and allow readers to connect with your experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i got emotional

Replaces the specific act of tearing up with a broader emotional response.

i felt like crying

Indicates the urge to cry without necessarily shedding tears.

tears welled up in my eyes

Focuses on the physical sensation of tears forming.

i was moved to tears

Highlights the external influence that caused the emotional response.

i almost cried

Indicates a near-cry experience.

i was on the verge of tears

Emphasizes being close to crying.

i became tearful

Describes the state of being filled with tears.

i was overcome with emotion

Highlights the intensity of the emotional experience.

my eyes watered

Focuses on the physiological response of eyes producing tears.

i choked up

Describes a feeling of tightness in the throat due to emotion.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "i teared up"?

Saying "i teared up" means that you became emotional and your eyes started to fill with tears, often due to sadness, sentimentality, or strong emotion.

Is "i teared up" the same as "i cried"?

While both indicate an emotional response, "i teared up" suggests a milder reaction than "i cried". It implies that you were close to crying, but may not have fully shed tears. You could use alternatives like "i got emotional" or "i felt like crying".

What can I say instead of "i teared up" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "i became tearful", "tears welled up in my eyes", or "i was moved to tears". These alternatives convey the same emotional response in a slightly more sophisticated manner.

Is it appropriate to use "i teared up" in professional writing?

Using "i teared up" in professional writing depends on the context. It might be suitable for personal essays or reflective pieces, but it's generally best to avoid it in formal reports or business communications. Choose more neutral language to maintain a professional tone, such as "i felt emotional".