utter a shriek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter a shriek" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone making a loud, sharp cry, often in response to fear or surprise. Example: "As the roller coaster plunged down the steep drop, she couldn't help but utter a shriek of excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A shriek rose from Juliet's lips.

Columbia University

She lets out a shriek.

The Economist

The answer was a shriek.

The New York Times - Style

Heavens! what a shriek she gave!

The New York Times

Startled, Ms. Kershaw let out a shriek.

The New York Times

— and the day, again, begins with a shriek.

The New Yorker

"The snowstorm closed the road!" she exclaimed with a shriek.

The New York Times

She slapped her thighs, let out a shriek.

The New Yorker

From behind Matilda's door comes a shriek of giggles.

The New Yorker

A shriek from his daughter, Maryam Safdar, broke the silence.

The New York Times

A shriek rends the night.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter a shriek" to vividly describe a sudden, sharp vocalization, particularly when emphasizing the unexpected or startling nature of the event causing the cry.

Common error

Avoid using "utter a shriek" too frequently in formal or academic writing, where it might be perceived as overly dramatic. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "exclaim" or "cry out", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "utter a shriek" is as a verb phrase, where "utter" acts as a transitive verb taking "a shriek" as its direct object. It describes the action of producing a sharp, high-pitched cry. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter a shriek" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of making a loud, sharp cry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a sudden and often involuntary vocal response to fear, surprise, or intense emotion. Consider context when using the phrase, opting for more neutral language in highly formal settings. Related alternatives include "let out a scream" or "give a cry" to express similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let out a scream

Focuses on the vocalization itself but is a more general term for a loud cry.

Emit a scream

Similar to 'let out a scream' but emphasizes the act of producing the sound.

Give a cry

Implies a vocal expression, potentially of pain, fear, or excitement, but less intense than a shriek.

Raise a cry

Suggests a more forceful and possibly prolonged vocalization.

Emit a piercing cry

Emphasizes the high-pitched and penetrating quality of the sound.

Let out a yell

A more general term than "shriek", encompassing a loud, forceful cry.

Give a yelp

Suggests a short, sharp cry, often indicative of sudden pain or surprise.

Voice a scream

Emphasizes the act of articulating a scream.

Emit a howl

Suggests a prolonged, mournful cry, distinct from a shriek.

Make a loud cry

A very general alternative, lacking the specific connotation of "shriek".

FAQs

What does "utter a shriek" mean?

"Utter a shriek" means to make a loud, sharp, piercing cry, often expressing extreme fear, pain, or excitement.

How can I use "utter a shriek" in a sentence?

Example: As the roller coaster plunged down the steep drop, she couldn't help but "utter a shriek" of excitement.

What can I say instead of "utter a shriek"?

You can use alternatives like "let out a scream", "give a cry", or "emit a scream" depending on the context.

Is "utter a shriek" formal or informal?

"Utter a shriek" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a more descriptive style. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives to maintain a neutral tone.