in tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in tears" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is crying or shedding tears. Example: After hearing the devastating news, she was in tears and couldn't stop crying for hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was in tears.

The New York Times - Arts

He was in tears.

The New York Times

Both ended in tears.

The Economist

Julie's been in tears.

The New Yorker

Plenty end in tears.

Independent

"Shakespeare in Tears"?

The New York Times

She was in tears.

The Economist

She is in tears.

The New Yorker

He is in tears.

The Guardian

Everyone is in tears.

Independent

It'll end in tears".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as being "in tears", consider adding details about the reason for their emotional state to provide a fuller picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in tears" excessively in objective news reporting. While emotionally evocative, overuse can make the writing seem sensationalized or biased. Use sparingly and only when directly observed or reported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in tears" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express sadness. For example, "She was in tears after the movie."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in tears" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who is crying or expressing profound sadness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans various contexts, most notably news and media, where it vividly portrays emotional states. While generally neutral in tone, mindful use is recommended to avoid sensationalism in factual reporting. Alternatives like "weeping" or "sobbing" can offer nuances in meaning, depending on the intended level of intensity. The pervasiveness of "in tears" across authoritative sources underscores its reliability as a descriptive tool in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weeping

Focuses on the act of crying, emphasizing the physical manifestation of sadness.

crying

A more general term for expressing sorrow through tears.

sobbing

Implies a more intense and convulsive form of crying.

on the verge of tears

Describes being close to crying, but not yet actively shedding tears.

close to tears

Similar to 'on the verge of tears', indicating imminent crying.

tearful

Describes a state of being filled with or expressing tears.

distraught

Indicates a state of extreme emotional distress, which may or may not involve tears.

heartbroken

Focuses on the feeling of deep sorrow and emotional pain, often from loss or disappointment.

grief-stricken

Implies being overwhelmed by grief, a profound sense of loss and sadness.

mourning

Specifically refers to the process of grieving after a loss, often involving tears and sorrow.

FAQs

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

You can use "in tears" to describe someone who is crying, for example: "After hearing the news, she was "in tears"." It indicates a state of sadness or emotional distress.

What are some alternatives to saying "in tears"?

Alternatives include "weeping", "crying", "sobbing", or "on the verge of tears", depending on the intensity and context.

Is it appropriate to use "in tears" in formal writing?

While "in tears" is grammatically correct, it is more suitable for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal or professional contexts, consider using more neutral language unless the emotional detail is crucial.

What is the difference between ""in tears"" and "tearful"?

"In tears" describes someone who is actively crying, whereas "tearful" suggests a state of being filled with or expressing the potential for tears or a mild expression of sadness.