tears trickled down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tears trickled down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of tears flowing down someone's face, often in a context of sadness or emotional release. Example: "As she listened to the heartbreaking news, tears trickled down her cheeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Tears trickled down my cheeks as if I were a mute, wordless but still able to feel anguish.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tears trickled down his cheeks and the crowd rose in a loud, sustained ovation when McEnroe, his torso wrapped in a brace, ended a 3 1/2 hour thriller by beating Cristiano Caratti of Italy, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, Wednesday night.

Los Angeles Times

Then another, as two tears trickled down his cheek.

The New York Times

Tears trickled down some of the grave faces.

The New York Times

Mark Jackson's eyes were rimmed with red, and soon the tears trickled down his face.

The New York Times - Sports

Tears trickled down her cheek as she said this, clearing little tracks through the dust.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As he watched the coffin being taken away on the fire engine, Mr. McDermott chewed gum with his mouth closed, his expression controlled, his large sunglasses covering his eyes — and then a single tear trickled down his right cheek.

The New York Times

But then you can see tears trickling down into his salt-and-pepper mustache.

The New York Times

The cast became used to the sight of tears trickling down cheeks in the orchestra as "Les Miserables" reached its climax.

The New York Times - Arts

As I entered, I noticed an older woman staring out the window with tears trickling down her face.

The New York Times

But as the director talked about the many costs the districts was facing, the tears trickling down one mother's cheeks dried up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tears trickled down" to depict a quiet, subtle expression of emotion. It's more impactful when the character is trying to suppress their feelings or is in a moment of quiet reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "tears trickled down" in scenes that are already highly dramatic or exaggerated. This phrase is better suited for quieter, more introspective moments. For overwrought scenarios, consider stronger alternatives like "tears streamed down" or "sobs wracked their body".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tears trickled down" functions as a vivid descriptive element, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the manner in which tears flow, suggesting a gentle, restrained, or subtle expression of emotion. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as both grammatically correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tears trickled down" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to depict a gentle, subtle flow of tears, often signifying suppressed emotions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, adding emotional depth to narratives. While there are various alternatives such as "tears streamed down" or "tears flowed down", each carries a slightly different connotation. When using "tears trickled down", consider the emotional tone you wish to convey, reserving it for moments of quiet reflection rather than high drama.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tears streamed down

Emphasizes a continuous and heavier flow of tears.

tears flowed down

Similar to 'streamed down' but slightly less intense.

tears rolled down

Suggests a gentle and controlled descent of tears.

tears coursed down

Implies a rapid and forceful flow of tears.

a solitary tear ran down

Focuses on a single tear, emphasizing loneliness or subtle emotion.

tears welled up and fell

Highlights the initial build-up of tears before they descend.

a river of tears cascaded

Uses metaphorical language to describe a large volume of tears.

moisture gathered in her eyes

A more subtle way of suggesting the beginning of tears.

eyes brimming with tears

Suggests eyes are full of tears, close to overflowing.

tears glistened on their cheeks

Focuses on the visual effect of tears reflecting light.

FAQs

How can I use "tears trickled down" in a sentence?

Use "tears trickled down" to describe a subtle and gentle flow of tears, often indicating suppressed emotion. For example: "As she listened to the heartfelt speech, "tears trickled down" her cheeks."

What are some alternatives to saying "tears trickled down"?

You can use phrases like "tears streamed down", "tears flowed down", or "tears rolled down". The best choice depends on the intensity of emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "tears trickled down"?

Yes, "tears trickled down" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and uses the verb 'trickled' to describe the movement of tears.

What's the difference between "tears trickled down" and "tears streamed down"?

"Tears trickled down" suggests a slow, gentle flow, while "tears streamed down" implies a heavier, more continuous flow. The former is more subtle, while the latter suggests stronger emotion.