let out a cry

USAGE SUMMARY

'let out a cry' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a sound made as an expression of emotion, typically one which is loud, sudden, and with little control. For example: She let out a cry of anguish when she heard the news of her father's death.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

She let out a cry of relief.

The New York Times

Most animals let out a cry when they are wounded.

The New York Times - Science

She let out a cry and sounded distressed and injured.

The Guardian

He raised his hands to the sky and let out a cry of joy.

The New Yorker

Her mother had just let out a cry, as if it were she who was wounded.

The New Yorker

But then Michele's head floated to the surface, green with seaweed, with staring eyes; it let out a cry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He lets out a cry of joy as a Nadal return goes long.

The Guardian - Sport

It's left just short, and he lets out a cry of supreme anguish, like a mating cat.

The Guardian - Sport

He lets out a cry when he sees the woman and drops a handful of marrowfat peas over the edge.

The New Yorker

And again with the toss, on second serve, and after losing the point Robson lets out a cry of frustration.

The Guardian - Sport

But with a few puffs of air delivered by a bag and mask to inflate the baby's lungs, the little girl lets out a cry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary the type of cry (e.g., "let out a cry of joy", "let out a cry of pain") to provide more specific detail about the character's emotional state. Avoid overusing the phrase, opt for more descriptive terms or expressions for nuance.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "let out a cry" as a descriptor. While effective, frequent repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, try describing the physical and emotional sensations experienced by the character, allowing the reader to infer the cry.

Linguistic Context

"Let out a cry" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action, specifically the sudden vocal expression of emotion. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it depicting responses ranging from pain and frustration to joy and surprise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let out a cry" is a versatile phrase used to depict a sudden, often involuntary, expression of emotion through sound. Ludwig AI validates it as grammatically correct and widely applicable. As Ludwig examples illustrate, its frequency and usage across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, mark it as a common expression. While neutral in tone, varying the context and type of cry allows for nuanced communication. While the phrase is suitable in many instances it's better to avoid overuse and instead rely on describing the emotional experience and feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emit a scream

Replaces "cry" with "scream", intensifying the sound and emotion expressed.

utter a shriek

Substitutes "cry" with "shriek", emphasizing a high-pitched and piercing sound.

give a shout

Changes "cry" to "shout", indicating a louder and more forceful vocalization.

voice a lament

Replaces "cry" with "lament", focusing on an expression of sorrow or grief.

release a wail

Substitutes "cry" with "wail", suggesting a prolonged and mournful sound.

express a sob

Changes "cry" to "sob", emphasizing a convulsive catching of breath during crying.

make a moan

Replaces "cry" with "moan", indicating a low, mournful sound, often expressing pain or discomfort.

raise a howl

Substitutes "cry" with "howl", suggesting a prolonged and mournful cry, similar to that of an animal.

burst into tears

Indicates an emotional reaction expressed through crying. The change is more focused on the physical aspect, but it represents the same expression of feelings.

roar with anguish

Expresses a loud and intense cry driven by severe suffering and distress, it replaces the neutral "cry" with something that has more power.

FAQs

What does it mean to "let out a cry"?

To "let out a cry" means to express a strong emotion suddenly and often loudly. It can be a cry of pain, joy, surprise, or any other intense feeling.

How can I use "let out a cry" in a sentence?

You can use "let out a cry" to describe someone's reaction to an event. For example: "She "let out a cry of relief" when she saw her lost dog."

What are some alternatives to "let out a cry"?

Alternatives include "emit a scream", "utter a shriek", or "voice a lament", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it better to describe the feeling rather than saying someone "let out a cry"?

Sometimes, describing the feeling or the physical manifestation of the emotion can be more impactful than simply stating that someone "let out a cry". However, "let out a cry" is a direct way to convey immediate, intense emotion. It really depends on what works best for your story or the impression you're aiming to create.