to cry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to cry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing an emotional response or describing an action of shedding tears. Example: "When she heard the sad news, she couldn't help but to cry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To cry?

The New York Times - Books

Nathaniel started to cry.

The New Yorker

(He begins to cry).

The New York Times

I pretended to cry.

The New York Times - Sports

Teammates began to cry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eleanor begins to cry.

The New Yorker

Usl began to cry.

The New Yorker

Nikeita began to cry.

The New Yorker

Nothing to cry about.

The New Yorker

He wanted to cry.

The New Yorker

I dare to cry".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction in a story, use “to cry” to add depth and realism to their emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using “to cry” excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more nuanced verbs that precisely convey the intended emotion, such as “to express grief” or “to show sorrow” instead of solely relying on "to cry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to cry" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used, suggesting a common expression for describing the act of shedding tears. Examples from Ludwig showcase its versatility in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

9%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to cry" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the act of shedding tears, indicating a range of emotions from sorrow to joy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for both formal and informal settings. When using "to cry", be mindful of the specific emotion you aim to convey and consider more precise alternatives like "to weep" or "to lament" in formal writing to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To weep

This alternative emphasizes a more subdued or quiet form of shedding tears.

To shed tears

This alternative focuses on the physical act of producing tears, often associated with sadness or strong emotion.

To break down

This alternative highlights a loss of emotional control, often resulting in crying.

To sob

This alternative indicates a more intense and audible form of crying, often involving gasping or convulsive breathing.

To bawl

This alternative suggests a loud, unrestrained cry, often associated with children or intense grief.

To wail

This alternative implies a prolonged, high-pitched cry of grief or pain.

To keen

This alternative signifies a mournful lament, often associated with traditional mourning rituals.

To lament

This alternative focuses on expressing sorrow or regret, which may or may not involve crying.

To grieve

This alternative emphasizes the experience of feeling deep sorrow or sadness, which can manifest in crying.

To express sorrow

This is a more general term for showing sadness and may not always involve crying.

FAQs

How can I use "to cry" in a sentence?

You can use "to cry" to describe the act of shedding tears due to emotions such as sadness, joy, or frustration. For example, "She began "to cry" when she heard the news".

What are some alternatives to "to cry"?

Alternatives include "to weep", "to shed tears", "to sob", or "to bawl" depending on the intensity and context of the crying.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I want to cry"?

Yes, "I want "to cry"" is grammatically correct. It uses the infinitive form of the verb "cry" correctly after the verb "want".

What's the difference between "to cry" and "to weep"?

While both involve shedding tears, ""to cry"" is a more general term, while ""to weep"" often suggests a quieter, more controlled expression of sorrow.