scream of delight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scream of delight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an expression of extreme joy or happiness, often in response to something surprising or wonderful. Example: "When she opened the gift, her face lit up, and she let out a scream of delight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She couldn't ______ a scream of delight when he suddenly asked to marry her.

BBC

Deep breath from Konta, and a scream of delight as her opponent hits long.

BBC

The boy would say "Hi Mom!" and then you would hear the excited, disbelieving scream of delight echoing down the line.

BBC

A scream of delight from the left-hander greeted an improbable service hold in the opening game of the set, before Azarenka was left clutching her face in horror after pushing the ball long at break point down in the second game, with an open court in front of her.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There were screams of delight when he hopped out of the car.

The New Yorker

Every shot of Cena on one of the Barclays Center's huge screens is met with either jeers or screams of delight.

Independent

The children erupted in cheers and screams of delight as Mr. Trump emerged from behind the screen with his mouth and arms wide open.

The New York Times

But this already-tired genre (must we endure those orchestrated screams of delight when the finished product is unveiled?) feels vaguely offensive amid the current economic distress.

The New York Times - Arts

The Wolf of Wall Street star arrived to cheers and screams of delight from the crowd as he turned up and waved to the legions of fans that had gathered to catch a glimpse of him.

Independent

The vote brought screams of delight from scores of Mill Basin and Bergen Beach residents whose public pressure against the campaign including two near‐riotous visits at earlier board hearings was considered instrumental in the turnabout.

The New York Times

It was high-grade attrition from the first game, which took Murray nine minutes to win, to the final thrusts and blocks and screams of delight and anguish of the fifth set.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scream of delight" to vividly portray a moment of intense joy or excitement, particularly when someone is reacting to a surprise or a wonderful event. It's best suited for descriptive writing or narratives where emotional impact is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "scream of delight" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound overly emotional or dramatic. Opt for more neutral expressions like "expressed joy" or "showed excitement" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scream of delight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., let out a scream of delight) or as a subject complement. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scream of delight" is a grammatically sound and vivid way to describe a strong expression of joy or elation. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it's more suitable for informal contexts, such as descriptive writing or news reports, than for formal academic or professional settings. Alternatives like "shout of glee" or "cry of joy" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emotional nuances. The phrase appears infrequently, but when used, it effectively conveys a powerful, immediate reaction to something wonderful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shout of glee

Replaces "scream" with "shout" and "delight" with "glee", altering the intensity slightly.

cry of joy

Substitutes "scream" with "cry" and "delight" with "joy", softening the expression.

expression of elation

Uses a more formal and descriptive phrase to convey intense happiness.

burst of happiness

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the joy.

exclamation of joy

Focuses on the verbal expression of happiness.

whoop of excitement

Replaces "scream" with "whoop", suggesting a more playful expression.

yelp of pleasure

Indicates a sharp, high-pitched sound of happiness.

gasp of delight

Implies surprise and joy combined.

thrill of joy

Focuses on the feeling of excitement and happiness.

spontaneous cheer

Highlights the unplanned and joyful nature of the expression.

FAQs

How can I use "scream of delight" in a sentence?

You can use "scream of delight" to describe someone's reaction to a pleasant surprise. For example, "When she received the acceptance letter, she let out a scream of delight."

What are some alternatives to "scream of delight"?

Alternatives include "shout of glee", "cry of joy", or "expression of elation", depending on the desired level of formality and intensity.

Is "scream of delight" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "scream of delight" is generally too informal for academic writing. Use more neutral and descriptive language like "expressed elation" or "showed great enthusiasm".

What is the difference between "scream of delight" and "gasp of delight"?

A "scream of delight" suggests a loud, unrestrained expression of joy, while a "gasp of delight" implies a more subdued reaction, often mixed with surprise.