she was weeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was weeping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is crying or expressing deep sorrow or grief. Example: "As the news of her loss sank in, she was weeping quietly in the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

She was weeping too".

Independent

She was weeping.

The New Yorker

By the time she finished it, she was weeping.

The New Yorker

She seemed poised and self-possessed, though it was possible, also, that she was weeping.

The New Yorker

She was weeping as she'd wept over Tom's disappearance some weeks earlier.

The New Yorker

When he put on his clothes again, an hour or so later, she was weeping.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

She is weeping, her mouth pulled back in a grimace of despair as she finally loses control of her grief.

The Guardian - Books

Before her first adulterous night with Jake, Jane is a melancholy solo act, whether she's weeping in her kitchen after her daughter moves out or trading somewhat desperately raunchy sex jokes with her girlfriends.

The New York Times

She is weeping quietly.

Vice

She is weeping one day when Miss Brent, the society woman, enters the room.

Wikipedia

She's weeping, everyone else gathered around her is weeping, and as The King James version has it: "Jesus groaned in the spirit, and was troubled".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was weeping" to add a touch of formality or literary flair to your writing. It's particularly effective in narratives where you want to emphasize the depth of sorrow or emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "she was weeping" in very casual or modern dialogue. Simpler terms like "she was crying" might sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was weeping" functions as a declarative statement, describing an action performed by a subject. The auxiliary verb "was" indicates past continuous tense, showing an ongoing state of crying. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was weeping" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone crying, particularly in more formal or literary contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively conveys deep sorrow or emotion. While alternatives like "she was crying" or "she was sobbing" may be more suitable for informal situations, "she was weeping" adds a touch of gravitas to the description. It is frequently found in news and media sources, highlighting its role in conveying emotional narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was crying

Replaces "weeping" with a more common and general term for shedding tears.

she was sobbing

Indicates a more intense form of crying, with audible gasps.

tears streamed down her face

Focuses on the physical manifestation of crying rather than the act itself.

she was shedding tears

A more formal way of saying she was crying.

she was in tears

Highlights the state of being overcome by sadness.

she broke down in tears

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of crying.

she was overcome with emotion

A broader description that encompasses crying but includes other emotional expressions.

she was grieving

Specifies the cause of the sadness as a response to loss.

she mourned

Similar to grieving, emphasizing the act of expressing sorrow for a loss.

she lamented

Expresses deep sorrow or regret, often verbally.

FAQs

What's a simple substitute for "she was weeping"?

A straightforward alternative is "she was crying", which conveys the same meaning in a less formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "she was weeping"?

This phrase is suitable for formal writing, narratives, or situations where you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of the person's sorrow.

How does "she was weeping" differ from "she was sobbing"?

"She was sobbing" suggests a more intense and audible form of crying, whereas "she was weeping" is a more general term for shedding tears.

Can "she was weeping" be used to describe happiness?

While typically associated with sadness, "she was weeping" can also describe overwhelming joy or relief, though it's less common. The context should make the emotion clear.