start crying suddenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start crying suddenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt onset of tears or emotional distress, often in response to a triggering event. Example: "When she heard the news, she couldn't help but start crying suddenly in the middle of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In late November, he started crying suddenly in the back seat as we drove down Meadowbrook Road.

The New York Times - Health

If it is complete silence when the baby is awake, the baby will feel alone and suddenly start crying.

WikiHow

"When I think about leaving, I could start crying every second, and I suddenly love every detail," she said.

The New York Times

Do they start crying?

The New York Times

They sometimes start crying.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes they start crying.

The New York Times

Then start crying.

WikiHow

Do not start crying.

WikiHow

Don't start crying.

WikiHow

One night, sitting at a restaurant with my family, I found myself getting tired and suddenly started crying.

The New York Times - Health

In the middle of playing his favorite Nascar video game, he suddenly started crying, tearing up tissues and saying, "no school, no school" over and over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose the most precise verb to describe the act of crying. "Burst", "weep", and "sob" can add nuance to the description. If the crying is indeed sudden, the addition of "suddenly" might be redundant and could be omitted for a stronger impact.

Common error

While "suddenly" emphasizes the unexpected nature of crying, overuse can weaken your writing. Ensure that adding "suddenly" enhances the sentence rather than stating the obvious. Consider if the context already implies a sudden onset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start crying suddenly" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an emotional action. Though grammatically sound according to Ludwig AI, the phrase can sometimes sound redundant due to the adverb "suddenly".

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "start crying suddenly" is considered somewhat redundant due to the overlapping meanings of "start" and "suddenly". According to Ludwig AI, this makes it usable but potentially inelegant. The phrase aims to emphasize an immediate and unexpected onset of tears, but it's crucial to consider whether the suddenness is already implied. For stronger writing, focus on vivid descriptions of the emotional state. Alternatives such as "burst into tears" or "begin to weep unexpectedly" can offer more nuanced ways to express this emotional shift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suddenly burst into tears

Adds emphasis on both the suddenness of tears.

burst into tears

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful onset of crying.

unexpectedly start to cry

Underscores the element of surprise and lack of anticipation.

begin to weep unexpectedly

Highlights the unforeseen aspect of starting to cry.

unexpectedly start shedding tears

Shedding tears, a more descriptive synonym of crying, makes the start more unexpected.

break down in tears immediately

Stresses the immediate and overwhelming nature of the emotional response.

start sobbing abruptly

Focuses on the physical manifestation of crying, specifically sobbing, and its abrupt start.

suddenly become tearful

Indicates a swift shift in emotional state towards being tearful.

abruptly dissolve into tears

Presents a dramatic and sudden transition into a state of crying.

start welling up suddenly

Describes the rapid onset of tears forming in the eyes.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "start crying suddenly"?

Yes, "start crying suddenly" is grammatically correct, but it can sometimes be seen as redundant. The word "suddenly" emphasizes the immediate onset of the crying, which may already be implied by the verb "start".

What are some alternatives to "start crying suddenly"?

You can use alternatives like "burst into tears", "begin to weep unexpectedly", or "suddenly become tearful" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "start crying suddenly"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the unexpected and immediate nature of someone beginning to cry. However, consider whether "start crying" alone is sufficient, as it often implies suddenness.

How can I make my writing more impactful than using "start crying suddenly"?

Focus on showing the emotional state through vivid descriptions rather than explicitly stating it. For instance, instead of "she started crying suddenly", you could write "her eyes welled up, and tears streamed down her face before she could speak".