tears of pride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tears of pride' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when someone is expressing strong emotions, especially in a situation where one is proud and overwhelmed by the moment. For example, "After years of hard work, he won the championship and it brought him to tears of pride."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Afterwards, he burst into tears of pride and devotion.

The Guardian - Film

"I looked wildly at the heiress for help, and that young charmer had tears of pride in her eyes".

The Guardian

The audience included some of Ms. Ferrara's other patients, who watched proudly and shed tears of pride, not pity.

The New York Times

"It's changed gymnastics for ever," said Wilson, his trademark grin back on his face after tears of pride had dried off.

The Guardian - Sport

For many in Washington's black elite, a year that ended with tears of pride in Grant Park began with agony and self-doubt.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a life," he says, tears of pride welling up in his eyes, before he is led away to celebrate by his family.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The band is a perpetual award-winner, thanks to Fletcher -- but his leadership style would bring a tear of pride to a Marine drill sergeant.

Huffington Post

1. FRIENDS & FAMILY Just as sure as moms and grandmas can whip out an attaboy or shed a tear of pride showing resounding approval, some family and friends can directly or indirectly criticize your journey into potential music stardom.

Huffington Post

Tears of joy, pride, awe.

The New York Times - Sports

I watched it, smiling, through tears of genuine pride".

The Guardian - Film

I think people are going to well up with hot tears of patriotic pride when they see this".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tears of pride" to convey a genuine and profound sense of accomplishment or admiration, adding emotional depth to your writing. It's more impactful when the achievement is significant or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "tears of pride" for minor achievements; reserve it for moments of true significance to maintain its emotional impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tears of pride" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a physical manifestation (tears) caused by an emotional state (pride). Ludwig's examples show its integration into narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tears of pride" is a common noun phrase used to describe the emotional state of feeling proud, often to the point of shedding tears. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and well-suited for conveying genuine emotion in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's most effective when used to describe significant moments. Related phrases, such as "welling up with pride" or "moved to tears by pride", offer alternative ways to express this emotion with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, consider the potential for overuse and ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

welling up with pride

Focuses on the physical sensation preceding tears, emphasizing the emotion of pride.

moved to tears by pride

Highlights the emotional impact leading to tears, specifying the cause as pride.

overcome with pride

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by pride, possibly leading to tears.

filled with pride and emotion

Broadens the emotional spectrum, suggesting a mix of pride and other feelings.

a moment of proud emotion

Shifts focus to a specific instance of feeling proud and emotional.

brimming with pride

Highlights the abundance of pride felt, suggesting a strong emotional state.

deeply touched by pride

Emphasizes the profound emotional impact of pride.

feeling a surge of pride

Describes a sudden and intense sensation of pride.

eyes filled with pride

Focuses specifically on the visual manifestation of pride in the eyes.

heart swelling with pride

Emphasizes the physical sensation of pride in the heart.

FAQs

How can I use "tears of pride" in a sentence?

You can use "tears of pride" to describe someone's emotional reaction to an accomplishment or heartwarming moment. For example, "Watching her daughter graduate brought "tears of pride" to her eyes."

What are some alternatives to saying "tears of pride"?

Alternatives include phrases like "welling up with pride", "moved to tears by pride", or "overcome with pride". Each conveys a slightly different nuance of the same emotion.

Is it appropriate to use "tears of pride" in formal writing?

Yes, "tears of pride" can be used in formal writing to effectively convey a character's or subject's emotional state, particularly when describing moments of significant achievement or heartfelt recognition.

What's the difference between "tears of joy" and "tears of pride"?

"Tears of joy" express happiness, while "tears of pride" express satisfaction and admiration, usually in response to someone else's accomplishment. For example, you might shed "tears of joy" at your own wedding but "tears of pride" at your child's graduation.