sobbed uncontrollably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sobbed uncontrollably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is crying in a way that is intense and difficult to control, often due to strong emotions. Example: "After hearing the news, she sat on the floor and sobbed uncontrollably, unable to contain her grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A few sobbed uncontrollably.

The New York Times

He sobbed uncontrollably.

The New York Times - Magazine

I sobbed uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Travel

Yet he often sobbed uncontrollably.

The New York Times

Police tried to speak with him as he sobbed uncontrollably.

The New York Times

A woman in a blue T-shirt sat on the bed and sobbed uncontrollably.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

She was sobbing uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Tech

Then, she just started sobbing uncontrollably".

The New York Times

5 February: Anna rang, sobbing uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One man behind me screamed and collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably.

The New Yorker

Talking about those years, he begins to sob uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sobbed uncontrollably", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for such intense emotion. Providing background information enhances the reader's understanding and empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "sobbed uncontrollably" excessively in a narrative, as it can lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of emotional distress to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sobbed uncontrollably" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed by a subject. It describes the manner of crying, emphasizing the lack of control due to intense emotion. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage, showing various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sobbed uncontrollably" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase to illustrate deep emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread in various contexts, most notably within News & Media. The phrase describes an intense form of crying where the individual is unable to control their emotions. While the phrase is considered valid, alternatives such as "wept inconsolably" or "cried hysterically" may offer nuance in different contexts. When writing, consider using the phrase to vividly depict strong emotion, but do not overuse it, as it might reduce the impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wept inconsolably

Focuses on the inability to be comforted during the crying, emphasizing the depth of sorrow.

cried hysterically

Highlights the uncontrolled and possibly frantic nature of the crying, suggesting a loss of composure.

broke down in tears

Indicates a sudden onset of crying, often after a period of emotional suppression.

cried one's eyes out

Emphasizes the intensity and duration of the crying, suggesting a thorough emotional release.

burst into tears

Suggests a sudden and often unexpected onset of crying.

was overcome with emotion

Focuses on the emotional state leading to tears, rather than the act of crying itself.

dissolved into tears

Paints a picture of someone gradually losing control and succumbing to crying.

shed tears copiously

Highlights the abundance of tears, emphasizing the extent of the sadness.

wailed uncontrollably

Adds an element of loud, sorrowful vocalization to the crying, indicating intense grief.

cried buckets

An informal way to describe crying a lot. It emphasizes the amount of tears shed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sobbed uncontrollably" in a sentence?

To effectively use "sobbed uncontrollably", provide context that justifies such intense emotion. For example: "After hearing the devastating news, she sat on the floor and "sobbed uncontrollably", unable to contain her grief".

What are some alternatives to saying "sobbed uncontrollably"?

You can use alternatives like "wept inconsolably", "cried hysterically", or "broke down in tears" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "sobbed uncontrollably" and "cried a lot"?

"Sobbed uncontrollably" describes a more intense and less controlled emotional outburst compared to the more general phrase "cried a lot". The former suggests a deeper level of distress.

Is it correct to say "cried uncontrollably" instead of "sobbed uncontrollably"?

While both phrases convey intense crying, ""sobbed uncontrollably"" specifically implies that the crying involves convulsive gasps for air, making it a more vivid and often more appropriate choice when that detail is relevant.