scream out

USAGE SUMMARY

"scream out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an imperative when you want someone to shout something. For example, "Scream out your support for the team!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's the accomplishments that scream out".

The New York Times

The phone seems to scream out: "I'm old.

The New York Times - Tech

All the soldiers started to scream out loud with fear.

The Guardian

It does, however, scream out in passages describing the human face of "structural violence".

The Economist

"Did you want to scream out, 'Here I am, help me'?" "I mean, of course.

The New Yorker

I'm sitting in a dark room surrounded by people, willing myself not to scream out loud.

Independent

They outline leggy dancers; they scream out "LIQUOR"; they direct you toward a hotdog.

The New York Times

Those fans in the stands, who scream out, That's our boy.

The New Yorker

They would overlook New Rochelle and scream out into the breezes blowing off Long Island Sound.

The New York Times

Subtle -- it doesn't scream out at you, but it's all there, Hesser added.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

History does not so much beckon as scream out for Nadal's validation of his status.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scream out" to vividly portray a character's extreme emotion, whether it's fear, excitement, or pain. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to create a strong impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "scream out" in formal writing or professional settings. The phrase can be too informal or emotionally charged for such contexts. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "announce" or "state" if you need to convey a message being delivered loudly.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "scream out" functions as a verb of expression, typically used to describe a loud and forceful verbal utterance. It depicts a character or individual vocalizing intensely due to a strong emotion or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "scream out" is a versatile expression used to depict loud and forceful verbal utterances, frequently employed to convey intense emotions or attract attention. Grammatically sound and very common, it finds its place primarily in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While generally suitable for narrative and descriptive writing, it's advisable to use more neutral alternatives in highly formal contexts. Remember to use "scream out" to create vivid portrayals of characters and situations, avoiding overuse in professional environments. Alternatives include "shout", "cry out", and "yell", each with slightly different nuances. The phrase is used correctly and is well supported by examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry out

Implies a more urgent or distressed call, often used in situations of pain or fear, similar to but less intense than "scream out".

shriek

Emphasizes a high-pitched, piercing sound, often associated with fear or excitement, sharing the high intensity of "scream out".

yell

Similar to shout, but implies a slightly higher volume and emotional charge than "shout", though less intense than "scream out".

roar

Implies a very loud, powerful shout, often associated with anger or excitement, similar in intensity to "scream out" but can lack the distress implied.

shout

A more general term for speaking loudly, lacking the intensity and potential emotional distress of "scream out".

bawl

Often implies loud weeping or wailing, can be used to describe loud shouting expressing intense emotion, like "scream out".

bellow

Suggests a deep, loud shout, like the sound of an animal; conveys power but not necessarily the distress of "scream out".

holler

A more casual term for shouting, often used in informal contexts and can be associated with joy or excitement, unlike the potential distress in "scream out".

call out

A more directed form of shouting, often to get someone's attention; lacks the raw emotion of "scream out".

vociferate

A more formal term for shouting loudly and vehemently, often in protest or disagreement; lacks the emotional intensity of "scream out".

FAQs

How can I use "scream out" in a sentence?

You can use "scream out" to describe someone shouting loudly, often in distress or excitement. For example, "She saw the spider and "cried out" in fear" or "The fans "cheered on" their team, "shouting out" their names".

What are some synonyms for "scream out"?

Alternatives to "scream out" include "yell", "shout", "cry out", "shriek", and "holler". The best choice depends on the specific context and the emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scream out" in formal writing?

In general, "scream out" is better suited for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "announce" or "state", depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "scream out" and "cry out"?

"Scream out" typically suggests a louder, more forceful expression of emotion, often involving fear or excitement. "Cry out", on the other hand, can imply a more urgent or distressed call, often in response to pain or immediate danger. The intensity is typically lower than in "scream out".