suppressed sob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suppressed sob" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a sob that is held back or restrained. For example, "The young girl tried to maintain her composure, but a suppressed sob escaped from her throat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most affecting, he spoke of Christina Taylor Green, the nine-year-old girl born on 11 September 2001 – the president, doubtless thinking of his own daughters, seeming to brim with emotion, at one point emitting a noise somewhere between a sigh and a suppressed sob.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nobody around me looked like cheering at the victorious end of "Part One," or suppressed a sob as "Part Two" petered to a close.

The New Yorker

When he realized that he was no longer alone, Steve quickly straightened up and suppressed his sobs.

Huffington Post

Trying to suppress a sob, I let loose a hiccup.

The New York Times

Suppressing heavy sobs.

BBC

Except for two or three moments Mr. Blumberg avoided vocal histrionics, suppressing any impulse to edge his singing with a sob.

The New York Times - Arts

Suppressing competition arguably suppresses turnout.

The New York Times

People began to sob.

The New Yorker

She wrote: "Sob.

The New York Times

Ned begins to sob.

Independent

She began to sob.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suppressed sob" to depict a character's internal struggle to maintain composure in emotional situations. It effectively conveys a sense of vulnerability and restraint.

Common error

Avoid using "suppressed sob" when describing overt displays of grief or loud crying. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the effort to conceal or contain strong emotions, not when those emotions are already outwardly visible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suppressed sob" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement to describe an act of restraining emotion. Ludwig AI explains it means a sob that is held back or restrained. Example: '...at one point emitting a noise somewhere between a sigh and a suppressed sob.'

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suppressed sob" accurately describes the act of holding back tears or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While relatively rare, the phrase effectively conveys restraint and vulnerability. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, indicating a neutral register. Consider alternatives like "stifled sob" or "muffled sob" depending on the desired nuance. When writing, use it to depict the internal struggle of a character trying to maintain composure in an emotional scene.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stifled sob

This alternative emphasizes the act of cutting short or holding back a sob.

muffled sob

This alternative focuses on the sound being reduced or indistinct.

held-back sob

This option directly conveys the action of preventing a sob from being expressed.

restrained sob

This phrase suggests a controlled or limited expression of sorrow.

repressed sob

Focuses on the psychological process of pushing down or inhibiting the sob.

choked sob

Implies the sob is constricted or blocked in the throat.

swallowed sob

Emphasizes the act of consciously preventing a sob from escaping.

smothered sob

Suggests the sob is heavily concealed or hidden.

inaudible sob

Focuses on the lack of audible sound from the sob.

silent weeping

Indicates a quiet form of crying without any loud sobs.

FAQs

How can I use "suppressed sob" in a sentence?

The phrase "suppressed sob" describes a sob that is held back or restrained. For example: "Despite her best efforts, a "suppressed sob" escaped her lips as she heard the news."

What's a good alternative to "suppressed sob"?

Alternatives to "suppressed sob" include "stifled sob", "muffled sob", or "held-back sob". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "suppressed cry" instead of "suppressed sob"?

While "suppressed cry" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, "suppressed sob" specifically refers to the sound of a restrained crying outburst. "Cry" is a more general term.

What does it mean when someone emits a "suppressed sob"?

It indicates they are trying to hold back tears and outward signs of sadness, but a brief, quiet sound betrays their emotional state.