through tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is done while crying, and usually comes after a verb. For example: She spoke through tears, her voice trembling as she shared her story.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laughter through tears".

The New York Times

Through tears, he said: "It's unfortunate.

The New York Times

"Too much," he said, through tears.

The New Yorker

"She understood," Lutz said, fighting through tears.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can't forget," he says, through tears.

The Guardian

It's inch-perfect stuff – laughter through tears.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm hurt," he said through tears.

The Guardian - Sport

"Yeah," says the woman, smiling through tears.

The New York Times

"It's O.K.," she tells him through tears.

The New Yorker

I can't think," she says through tears.

The New York Times

"It broke my heart," she says through tears.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through tears" to vividly depict a character's emotional state while they are speaking, acting, or perceiving something. This phrase is most effective when illustrating a moment of intense emotion, such as grief, joy, or relief.

Common error

Avoid using "through tears" when the situation doesn't warrant a strong emotional response. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Consider if a simpler description of emotion, such as "sadly" or "with watery eyes", might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through tears" functions as an adverbial phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it modifies a verb, indicating that an action is performed while crying. It describes the manner in which something is done, adding an emotional layer to the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through tears" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that vividly portrays actions performed amidst strong emotion. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively conveys the intensity of a situation and the individual's struggle or resilience. When using "through tears", remember to ensure it fits the emotional context and avoids overuse, and consider alternative phrases to convey similar emotional states with different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through sobs

Similar to "through tears", but emphasizes the audible sounds of crying.

with tearful eyes

This alternative focuses on the physical manifestation of crying, highlighting the presence of tears in the eyes.

tearfully

This is a single-word adverb describing an action done while in tears.

weeping softly

This describes a gentle form of crying, emphasizing the quiet nature of the sadness.

eyes brimming with tears

This alternative emphasizes the visual aspect of being close to crying, with tears welling up.

fighting back tears

This phrase suggests an attempt to suppress crying, highlighting a struggle with emotions.

on the verge of tears

This implies being close to crying, suggesting heightened emotional sensitivity.

inconsolably crying

This indicates a state of deep sorrow and distress, where comfort seems impossible.

with a lump in one's throat

This idiom conveys the feeling of suppressed emotion and difficulty speaking.

voice choked with emotion

This focuses on the impact of emotion on speech, making it difficult to articulate.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "through tears" in a sentence?

Use "through tears" to illustrate that someone is experiencing intense emotion while performing an action, such as speaking, smiling, or watching. This phrase is often placed after the verb it modifies, for example, "She spoke "through tears"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "through tears"?

You can use alternatives like "with tearful eyes", "weeping softly", or "fighting back tears" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "through tears"?

Yes, the phrase "through tears" is grammatically correct. It typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed.

When is it best to use the phrase "through tears" instead of simply saying someone was crying?

Use "through tears" when you want to emphasize that someone is trying to function or communicate despite their emotional distress. It adds a layer of complexity and intensity to the description, highlighting their effort to cope with their feelings.