literally cried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally cried" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize that someone actually cried, sometimes in a hyperbolic or exaggerated manner, especially in informal contexts. Example: "When I saw the ending of that movie, I literally cried."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Literally cried reading about you.

The New Yorker

"I literally cried over it," she said.

The New York Times

When I left, I literally cried because I didn't want to leave that building.

The New York Times - Travel

The Lebanese prime minister at the time literally cried after signing the treaty.

The New York Times

"I woke up in the morning, and when I looked at what time it was and I had nothing to do, I literally cried," she recalled.

The New York Times

I did a job once where I felt like the oldest person in the make-up trailer, and I literally cried for two days afterwards.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

I was literally crying.

The New York Times

"When I was filming, I was literally crying or laughing.

The New York Times

"I was crying, like literally crying and screaming like a baby," Kenny told WLTX, the local CBS television station.

The New Yorker

People were mind-meltingly happy, literally crying about catching that damn Snorlax.

The Guardian - Tech

Anything that creates the joy that is literally crying with laughter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally cried" to emphasize a genuine emotional response, but be mindful of overusing it, especially in formal writing. In academic writing, it may be more appropriate to describe the emotional response in detail rather than using this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "literally cried" too frequently, as overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using more descriptive language to convey the emotion, such as "was overwhelmed with emotion" or "shed tears of joy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally cried" functions as a descriptive expression where the adverb "literally" intensifies the verb "cried". According to Ludwig, it indicates that the act of crying actually happened, emphasizing the genuineness of the emotional response. The adverb "literally" amplifies the verb "cried", confirming that the person genuinely shed tears.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "literally cried" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the genuineness of an emotional response involving tears. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. It frequently appears in news and media, with a neutral register, making it suitable for general communication. While "literally" is intended to amplify the emotional experience, remember that overuse can dilute its impact. The phrase's alternatives include "actually cried" or "genuinely cried", offering similar meanings. When writing, it’s crucial to employ it judiciously to maintain its intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually cried

Replaces "literally" with "actually", softening the emphasis on the genuineness of the crying.

really cried

Uses "really" instead of "literally", providing a less emphatic confirmation of the crying.

genuinely cried

Replaces "literally" with "genuinely", highlighting the authentic nature of the emotional response.

burst into tears

Conveys a sudden and intense onset of crying, emphasizing the immediacy of the emotional reaction.

cried uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control over the crying, suggesting an overwhelming emotional state.

shed tears

Uses a more formal expression, focusing on the act of producing tears rather than the intensity of the emotion.

cried my eyes out

This is a hyperbole that emphasizes the intensity and duration of crying.

wept openly

Highlights the unrestrained and public nature of the crying, indicating a lack of inhibition.

was moved to tears

Focuses on the cause of the crying, indicating that an external factor evoked a strong emotional response.

was on the verge of tears

Indicates an emotional state close to crying, but not quite reaching it. It represents a milder form of the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "literally cried" in a sentence?

You can use "literally cried" to emphasize a strong emotional reaction, for example, "I "literally cried" when I saw the ending of the movie" or "She "literally cried" after hearing the news.

What can I say instead of "literally cried"?

You can use alternatives like "actually cried", "really cried", or "genuinely cried" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "literally cried", or should I use a different phrase?

Saying ""literally cried"" is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in informal contexts. However, consider the formality of your writing and choose the phrase that best fits the tone.

What does it mean when someone says they "literally cried"?

When someone says they ""literally cried"", it usually means they experienced a strong emotional reaction that caused them to shed tears. It's often used to emphasize the genuineness or intensity of the emotion.