she started to cry

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "she started to cry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation when someone started tearing up or sobbing. For example: She started to cry when she received the news that her grandmother had passed away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She started to cry.

The New Yorker

And she started to cry.

The New York Times - Sports

Now she started to cry.

The New Yorker

Then she started to cry.

The New Yorker

After a while she started to cry.

The Guardian

She started to cry and said I could have it!

Independent

Half way though the bidding she started to cry.

Independent

"Sneak one drink, and she started to cry.

The New Yorker

When told that it would not, she started to cry.

The New York Times

When it was dropped, she started to cry.

The Guardian

She started to cry but would not let herself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she started to cry" when you want to clearly and directly convey that a female subject began the act of crying, whether from sadness, joy, or another strong emotion. This phrase is easily understood and widely accepted.

Common error

While "she started to cry" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like “tears welled up in her eyes” or “she burst into tears” for richer storytelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she started to cry" functions as a narrative device, describing the commencement of an emotional reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she started to cry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the onset of tears, often indicating an emotional response. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, primarily in News & Media. While simple and direct, it is crucial to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions for stylistic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse writing contexts, and its intended purpose is to narrate the beginning of an emotional display.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she began to weep

Replaces 'cry' with 'weep', suggesting a more intense or prolonged expression of sorrow.

she burst into tears

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful onset of crying.

tears welled up in her eyes

Focuses on the physical manifestation of impending tears.

she teared up

A more casual and less intense way of saying she almost cried.

she became tearful

Describes her state as being prone to tears.

she was on the verge of tears

Highlights that she was close to crying but not quite there.

she found herself crying

Implies a realization or surprise at the onset of tears.

she couldn't help but cry

Suggests that she was unable to control her tears.

she was moved to tears

Indicates that an external factor caused her to cry.

she dissolved into tears

Suggests a complete surrender to crying, implying a deep emotional release.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "she started to cry"?

You can use phrases like "she began to weep", "tears welled up in her eyes", or "she burst into tears" to add variety and nuance to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "she started crying" instead of "she started to cry"?

Yes, both "she started to cry" and "she started crying" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What emotions might cause someone to say, "she started to cry"?

The phrase "she started to cry" can indicate a range of emotions including sadness, grief, joy, relief, frustration, or even anger. The context provides the specific emotional trigger.

How can I describe the intensity of crying beyond just saying "she started to cry"?

To convey intensity, you can add adverbs or descriptive details. For instance, "she started to cry uncontrollably", "she dissolved into tears", or "she started to cry, her shoulders shaking with sobs" provide more vivid imagery.