they cried out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they cried out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is expressing a strong emotion or calling for attention, often in a loud or urgent manner. Example: "In the midst of the chaos, they cried out for help, their voices echoing through the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Bhang lassi!" they cried out.

The New Yorker

No room!" they cried out when they saw Alice coming.

The New Yorker

"Salud!" they cried out in unison, raising their flutes.

The New York Times

They cried out, "Daddy!" and "Help me!" and "Save me!" as they leaped gracefully through the wheat.

The New Yorker

He pinched some servants, thinking it was funny when they cried out.

The Guardian - Books

Had any of them voted that day? "CAMERON!" they cried out as one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

They cry out their nationalities Algerians, Moroccans, Iranians.

The Economist

They cry out for investigation by the county Legislature.

The New York Times

Every time the characters board the train, they cry out "Choo choo" in unison.

The New York Times - Arts

Similarly, although Murphy's photographs are arresting, they cry out for further commentary in words.

The Guardian - Books

"Dar-link!" they cry out in greeting, their accents dusting everything with "snow and fir and darkness".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they cried out" to emphasize a vocal expression of strong emotion, such as fear, pain, joy, or desperation. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "they cried out" when a simpler phrase like "they said" or "they called" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact when you genuinely need to convey strong emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they cried out" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an intransitive verb phrase, indicating an action performed by a group. Ludwig examples show it describing a vocal expression of strong emotion or a call for attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they cried out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a vocal expression of strong emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize the intensity and urgency of a group's reaction. While "they cried out" is versatile, consider alternatives like "they shouted" or "they called out" depending on the desired nuance. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact. The phrase is prevalent in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, suggesting its acceptability in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they shouted

This alternative suggests a louder, more forceful expression than "they cried out".

they yelled

Similar to "they shouted", this implies a raised voice, often expressing excitement or anger.

they called out

This is a more neutral alternative, suggesting a simple vocalization without necessarily implying strong emotion.

they exclaimed

This suggests a sudden, often surprised or excited, utterance.

they screamed

This implies a high-pitched vocalization, usually expressing fear or pain.

they wailed

This suggests a prolonged cry of sorrow or grief.

they lamented

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting a passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

they vociferated

This implies a loud and vehement outcry, often in protest.

they howled

Suggests a loud, prolonged cry, often associated with distress or pain.

they bewailed

Similar to "they lamented", this implies a sorrowful expression of grief or regret.

FAQs

What does "they cried out" mean?

The phrase "they cried out" means that a group of people expressed a strong emotion or made a loud vocalization, often in response to a particular event or situation. This phrase emphasizes the intensity and urgency of their expression.

What can I say instead of "they cried out"?

You can use alternatives like "they shouted", "they yelled", or "they called out" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

How to use "they cried out" in a sentence?

You can use "they cried out" to describe a scene where people are expressing intense emotions vocally. For example: "When they saw the disaster unfolding, they cried out in horror."

What's the difference between "they cried out" and "they said"?

"They said" is a neutral statement indicating that someone spoke. "They cried out", however, implies a more emotional or urgent vocalization, often expressing fear, pain, or excitement.