shed copious tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shed copious tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is crying a lot, often in a dramatic or emotional context. Example: "After hearing the heartbreaking news, she shed copious tears, unable to contain her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I shed copious tears during the ending, but none of them were for the millions of Jews who perished in the camps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, without wishing to be cruel, I would not shed copious tears if the latest Mowgli wound up as a protein snack for a passing carnivore.

The New Yorker

"Richly left and richly independent, Plurabelle shed copious tears -- for she had inherited the sadness gene from her father -- and allowed a decent interval of time to elapse before summoning the courage to read her father's test, presented to her in a long Manila envelope, like a Last Will and Testament, by his solicitors.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But there is more joy than misery in the tiny Manyonga home – even when Joyce sheds copious tears.

The Guardian - Sport

Outfitted in bouffant and pearls, in imitation of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ms. Finley stands at a lectern and delivers a monologue on the female body — at one point shedding copious tears — and on the indignities ritually inflicted on public women (Michelle Obama no less than Mrs. Onassis).

The New York Times - Arts

His family "shoved him into politics," where he sank from one inconsequential Cabinet post to another, shedding copious tears at every turn, until the Duke, "his aging grand-sire,"... rallied his declining powers, Summoned the youth to Brackley Towers, And bitterly addressed him thus — "Sir!

The New Yorker

In just over two hours, my date, my father, and I had not budged and were each shedding copious tears, without embarrassment, fairly remarkable in that two people were virtual strangers to the third.

Huffington Post

I imagine there would be copious tears.

The New Yorker

I shed some tears".

The Guardian - Books

"I couldn't shed any tears.

The New York Times - Sports

I had shed enough tears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shed copious tears" to emphasize the abundance and intensity of crying, particularly when describing emotional or dramatic situations. This phrase adds a level of formality and can be more impactful than simply saying someone "cried a lot".

Common error

Avoid using "shed copious tears" in casual or informal settings. The phrase can sound overly dramatic or theatrical in everyday conversation; simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shed copious tears" functions as a verb phrase, where "shed" is the verb and "copious tears" is the direct object. This describes the action of crying with emphasis on the abundance of tears. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shed copious tears" is a grammatically correct and emotionally evocative expression used to describe someone crying a lot. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid phrase in written English, primarily found in news and media contexts. While not a common everyday expression, its purpose is to emphasize the intensity and abundance of tears in response to strong emotions. When using this phrase, consider the context, as it may sound overly dramatic in informal settings. Alternatives such as "weep profusely" or "cry one's heart out" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed a flood of tears

Highlights the large quantity of tears shed.

shed a river of tears

Emphasizes the continuous and abundant flow of tears.

weep profusely

Highlights the abundance and unrestrained nature of tears.

cry one's heart out

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional release of crying.

break down in tears

Suggests an emotional collapse leading to crying.

sob uncontrollably

Focuses on the lack of control over one's crying.

burst into tears

Focuses on the sudden onset of crying.

dissolve into tears

Implies a complete surrender to sadness and crying.

cry buckets

An informal way to describe crying a lot.

bawl one's eyes out

Suggests loud and unrestrained crying.

FAQs

What does "shed copious tears" mean?

The phrase "shed copious tears" means to cry a lot, often due to strong emotions such as sadness, grief, or even joy. The word "copious" emphasizes the abundance or profusion of tears.

What can I say instead of "shed copious tears"?

You can use alternatives like "weep profusely", "cry one's heart out", or "burst into tears" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "shed copious tears" in formal writing?

Yes, "shed copious tears" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to convey a strong emotional response in a descriptive and somewhat elevated manner. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What is the difference between "shed copious tears" and "shed a few tears"?

"Shed copious tears" implies a significant and noticeable amount of crying, whereas "shed a few tears" suggests a more restrained or minimal emotional expression. The former indicates a greater intensity of feeling.