sobbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sobbing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the sound of someone crying with a lot of emotion and intensity. For example, "She listened to her favorite song while sobbing uncontrollably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was sobbing.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am tired of the punitive practice, the fear, the paperwork, the audits, the inspections and the nights on the sofa sobbing after another dreadful shift.

The Guardian

But what was most significant about Paxman's questioning was the suggestion that it's only a problem if you drink on your own, late at night, presumably in a darkened room, sobbing over a photo in a shattered picture frame while Phil Collins plays on the turntable.

The Guardian - Opinion

He can see himself curled in the corner of a room, sobbing.

The Guardian

Stellar box office figures, sobbing acclaim and – astonishingly – near-blockbuster status in the US, means that Paddington has mutated into a bona fide cinematic hit.

The Guardian - Film

He is screaming and sobbing and pounding his fists.

The Guardian - Sport

The ending to the first series of 24 – with Jack Bauer sobbing into the limp body of his dead wife – was one of television's all-time best.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the latter, she was the matriarch who is seen briefly at the beginning, sobbing while listening to the radio news about the riots in Paris in May 1968, but is soon revealed to be busy cutting onions.

The Guardian - Film

Aside from cash-strapped young people, tequila in Mexico has traditionally conjured up images of moustachioed rancheros boasting of conquests, or sobbing over treacherous women.

The Guardian

My mom was there now, sobbing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At his first dwarf convention, the author hears a teenager half-sobbing, half-laughing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a reaction with the word "sobbing", consider also adding context to reveal the emotion driving the character.

Common error

Avoid using "sobbing" excessively in formal or professional contexts, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more restrained descriptions of sadness or grief.

Linguistic Context

"Sobbing" functions primarily as a verb in its gerund form, describing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its use as both a verb and adjective. The examples show it depicting intense emotional expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sobbing" is a grammatically sound and very common word, primarily used to describe intense crying and emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity as both a verb and an adjective. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, especially News & Media, where it vividly portrays emotional states. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in excessively formal settings. The provided examples from Ludwig highlight its descriptive power, and alternative phrases like "weeping uncontrollably" or "bursting into tears" offer stylistic alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sobbing uncontrollably

Enhances "sobbing" by explicitly stating the loss of ability to stop, stressing the emotional intensity.

weeping uncontrollably

Substitutes "sobbing" with a phrase highlighting the lack of control over crying.

breaking down in tears

Substitutes "sobbing" with a phrase focusing on the emotional collapse leading to crying.

bursting into tears

Replaces "sobbing" with a phrase emphasizing the sudden onset of crying.

inconsolable crying

Substitutes "sobbing" with a phrase emphasizing the inability to be comforted.

crying one's heart out

Replaces "sobbing" with an idiomatic expression emphasizing deep sorrow.

overcome with grief

Replaces "sobbing" with a phrase focusing on the emotion causing the crying.

bawling

Replaces "sobbing" with a single word implying loud, unrestrained crying.

wailing

Replaces "sobbing" with a term suggesting a prolonged, mournful cry.

shedding tears

Replaces "sobbing" with a more general term for crying.

FAQs

How can I use "sobbing" in a sentence?

You can use "sobbing" as a verb to describe the act of crying heavily, for example, "She was "sobbing" after hearing the news." It can also be used as an adjective, such as in the phrase "a "sobbing" child".

What are some alternatives to the word "sobbing"?

Some alternatives to "sobbing" include "weeping uncontrollably", "bursting into tears", or "crying one's heart out", depending on the specific context and desired level of intensity.

Is it grammatically correct to use "sobbing" as an adjective?

Yes, "sobbing" can be used as an adjective to describe someone who is sobbing, as in "a "sobbing" witness" or "the "sobbing" crowd".

What's the difference between "sobbing" and "crying"?

"Sobbing" implies a more intense and convulsive form of crying, often involving gasps and irregular breathing, whereas "crying" is a more general term that encompasses a wider range of emotional expression through tears.