is about to cry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is about to cry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is on the verge of tears or is emotionally overwhelmed. Example: "Seeing the heartbreaking scene in the movie, she felt a lump in her throat and was about to cry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He is about to cry.

The New Yorker

The guard is speaking Italian to a little boy who is about to cry.

The New Yorker

When he hears that set where everyone is about to cry because it's so hard, I think that's when Ryan in his head says, 'All right!'" When Lochte was 11, his family moved from upstate New York to Florida so his father, Steve, could become the aquatics director of the Daytona Beach Area Y.M.C.A.

The New York Times - Sports

It's hilarious, except that, as always, he sounds as if he is about to cry.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Nuckel's face is ashen; he looks as if he is about to cry.

The New York Times

Even at its edgiest, artificial intelligence cannot hold up its side of a wide-ranging conversation or, say, tell by an expression when someone is about to cry.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Girl B: (Looks like she's about to cry) Isn't this crazy how all this is happening while Lauren's gone?

TechCrunch

"All right, I'm about to cry".

The New Yorker

"I was about to cry".

The New York Times

It seems she's about to cry.

The Guardian - Books

"He was about to cry," Hector explained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is about to cry" to vividly depict a character's emotional state in writing or speech. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and impending sadness.

Common error

Avoid using "is about to cry" too frequently, especially in overly dramatic or melodramatic scenes, as it can weaken the impact of the writing. Opt for more subtle ways to convey emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is about to cry" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an impending emotional action. It describes someone who is on the brink of tears, as evidenced by Ludwig examples showing characters and individuals in emotionally charged situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is about to cry" is a common and effective way to describe someone on the verge of tears, fitting comfortably into various writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. While there are numerous alternatives to express similar emotions, understanding the specific context is key to choosing the most impactful phrase. Remember not to overuse this phrase, or any of its alternatives, in melodramatic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of tears

Focuses on the state of being very close to crying.

close to tears

Highlights the proximity to crying, emphasizing the emotional state.

about to burst into tears

Emphasizes the sudden release of crying.

on the point of weeping

A more formal way to describe the act of crying.

fighting back tears

Focuses on the effort to suppress crying.

struggling to hold back tears

Similar to 'fighting back tears', it emphasizes the struggle.

with tears welling up

Describes the physical appearance of someone about to cry.

eyes filled with tears

Focuses on the visual cue of tears forming.

teary-eyed

Describes someone who already has tears in their eyes, closely related to the verge of crying.

emotional

A general term to describe the strong feeling a person has, but does not specifically refer to tears.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is about to cry"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of tears", "close to tears", or "about to burst into tears" depending on the context.

How do I use "is about to cry" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone who is on the verge of tears. For example: "After hearing the news, she looked like she "is about to cry"".

What's the difference between "is about to cry" and "is on the verge of tears"?

Both phrases are very similar. "Is about to cry" is more direct, while "is on the verge of tears" is a bit more figurative, suggesting a state of being close to tears.

Is "is about to cry" formal or informal?

"Is about to cry" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more descriptive alternatives might be preferred in highly formal writing.