it is to weep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is to weep" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
In a sentence, this phrase could mean that one should be overcome with emotion and tears of sadness. For example: When he heard the news of the tragedy, it was too much for him, and all he could do was stand in silence; it was to weep.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is to weep for.

The New York Times

It is to weep, and/or laugh.

TechCrunch

(So many think that having a daily standup makes them agile. It is to weep).

TechCrunch

It is easier to laugh than it is to weep.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The only human response was to weep.

The Guardian

"You have no idea how hard it is to invent a tradition," weeps Francine (Mary Steenburgen), a chamber-of-commerce official celebrating local history in a small Florida coastal town.

The New Yorker

It is to Isaac's credit that, when Wasicsko's tragedy finally arrives, it is impossible not to weep.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Peruse the catalogue of theatrical and home-video releases; it's to drool, and to weep).

The New Yorker

This is also stupid, but it's the internet, where it's normal to weep one's way through a self-administered proctological examination in response to any stimulus, then recount the whole experience in colorful and deeply personal detail.

Vice

It's hard to weep for a JP Morgan executive, but we're not just talking bankers: Britain's service-heavy economy makes it heavily exposed outside the EU, and there's little hope in concluding a simple deal on trade in services at any speed.

Vice

At the time, I didn't know that it was possible to weep from too much joy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is to weep" to evoke a sense of profound sadness or an overwhelming emotional response, especially when describing situations that inspire deep sorrow or empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "it is to weep" too frequently, as it can sound overly dramatic or sentimental. Opt for more direct and nuanced language to express sadness or empathy when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it is to weep" is to serve as a predicate nominative, further describing a state of being or an inevitable response to a situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and shows examples where it expresses an overwhelming emotional reaction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is to weep" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to express deep sorrow or overwhelming emotion. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it is used primarily in news and media contexts, though it appears infrequently. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives like "it is to grieve" or "it is to mourn" may provide more nuanced expressions of sadness in certain contexts. The expert rating reflects its correct usage and the quality of its sources, emphasizing its capacity to convey a profound emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is to grieve

Focuses specifically on sorrow and mourning, potentially implying a deeper sense of loss than simply weeping.

it is to mourn

Suggests a period of reflection and sadness, which might last longer than the act of weeping.

it is to lament

Conveys a public expression of grief or sorrow, often with a sense of regret.

it is to despair

Emphasizes a loss of hope and can imply a deeper level of anguish than simply weeping.

it is to cry

Represents a more general term for expressing sorrow through tears, lacking the intensity implied by "weep".

it is to shed tears

More descriptive and literal, highlighting the physical act of crying rather than the emotional state.

it is to feel sorrow

Focuses on the internal emotion of sorrow rather than its external expression.

it is to break down

Suggests a loss of emotional control, implying a more severe reaction than just weeping.

it is to be heartbroken

Conveys profound sadness and emotional pain, usually associated with loss or disappointment.

it is to be devastated

Indicates extreme shock and grief, often due to a significant and unexpected event.

FAQs

How can I use "it is to weep" in a sentence?

You can use "it is to weep" to express an overwhelming feeling of sadness or sorrow in response to a particular situation. For example: "The scene was so heartbreaking, "it is to weep"."

What are some alternatives to "it is to weep"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "it is to grieve", "it is to mourn", or "it is to lament", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is to weep" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is to weep" is grammatically correct, although it is a somewhat literary or heightened way of expressing sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

What's the difference between "it is to weep" and "it is to cry"?

While both express sadness, "it is to weep" suggests a deeper, more intense sorrow than "it is to cry". "Weep" often implies a more profound emotional response.