weep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of shedding tears, often in response to sadness or emotional pain. Example: "As the movie reached its climax, I couldn't help but weep at the tragic ending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

SH Daniel is a very intuitive actor – he felt the stillness which comes from grief in an era when men didn't  burst into tears and weep over their friends.

The Guardian - Film

Like many of those I interview, they say the film made them weep and they see it, in part, as a memorial to Mark Ashton.

The Guardian - Film

I weep just thinking of him wheeling around his portable supermarket - a trolley piled with cheap toilet rolls and knock-off white T-shirts.

The Guardian

The overall risk is still small (3.5 per 10,000 people wearing daily soft lenses), but keratitis is painful, can make your eyes weep and causes blindness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today we weep, for reality-show heaven has gained a new angel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Let us weep".

The Economist

But then, as Mr White rightly says, thanks to the HIV epidemic which so devastated the gay community, he had already seen too much death to weep.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Jesus wept.

The Guardian - Film

Relatives of the murdered women wept in the crowded public gallery.

The Guardian

The mother of baby Aukse wept quietly in court as her partner was sentenced.

The Guardian

When Laws began his cabinet sabbatical, the broadsheets wept as bitterly as if it were a scene from Les Mis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weep" to evoke a sense of deep sorrow or grief. While similar to "cry", "weep" often suggests a more profound emotional experience.

Common error

Avoid using "weep" in casual or everyday situations where "cry" or "shed tears" would be more appropriate. "Weep" can sound overly dramatic in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weep" is as an intransitive verb, describing the action of shedding tears. Ludwig shows its usage across various sentence structures to convey sorrow, grief, or other strong emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weep" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that describes the act of shedding tears, often due to deep sorrow or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. While similar to "cry", "weep" often conveys a more profound emotional experience. Consider using it in formal contexts or when you want to emphasize the depth of sadness. However, avoid overuse in casual situations where "cry" or "shed tears" would be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed tears

Focuses on the physical act of crying, similar to "weep" but more descriptive.

cry

A general term for expressing sadness through tears, interchangeable with "weep" in many contexts.

sob

Implies a more intense and convulsive form of crying compared to "weep".

shed bitter tears

Highlights the intensity and emotional pain associated with the act of crying.

lament

Emphasizes the expression of grief or sorrow, often verbally, while "weep" focuses on the tears.

break down in tears

Describes the act of suddenly starting to cry, emphasizing the loss of emotional control.

mourn

Indicates a period of grieving or feeling sorrow, broader in scope than the act of weeping.

bemoan

To express discontent or sorrow over something, similar to lamenting but can be less formal.

wail

Suggests a loud, prolonged cry of sorrow or pain, more intense than a simple "weep".

bawl

Implies loud, unrestrained crying, often associated with children or intense emotional distress.

FAQs

How can I use "weep" in a sentence?

You can use "weep" to describe the act of shedding tears due to sadness or grief. For example, "She began to weep when she heard the news".

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

While both words refer to shedding tears, "weep" often suggests a deeper, more profound sorrow than "cry".

What can I say instead of "weep"?

Alternatives to "weep" include "shed tears", "sob", and "lament", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "weep" formal or informal?

"Weep" is generally considered a more formal and evocative term compared to "cry", making it suitable for literature, poetry, and serious news reporting.