weep for joy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weep for joy" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to cry tears of joy or to be overwhelmed with happiness. Example: After years of hard work, Sally received her college degree and her parents could do nothing but weep for joy at her graduation ceremony.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

People weep for joy, children throw flowers at his feet and a large crowd gathers outside the cathedral.

The New York Times

Yet I could cry now just thinking about Alfie, the joy of him.' I said this was enviable - mothers of teenage sons seldom weep for joy.

The Guardian

I was reminded, too, of Jessy Park, and how she was fascinated by the fact that onions could make one weep but was totally unable to comprehend that one could also weep for joy).

The New Yorker

Spend $3,500 on a bonus for a valuable employee, and he is unlikely to weep for joy; spend the same on a fancy watch, and he just might.

The Economist

By the time that skill-rich 6-foot-11 Michigan man from Berlin, Moritz Wagner, made the kind of cut that could make a coach weep for joy, and freshman Jordan Poole zipped him a lovely pass from the right side to arrange a layup, Michigan led 21-14.

The Washington Post

I would weep for joy were the news not watered down somewhat by the fact that the first game arriving on Apple's devices isn't the actual monster collection and battling game that makes up the core franchise, but is instead the Pokémon trading card game.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In an earlier century, we might have wept for joy.

The New Yorker

It was the first and last time in my life that I wept for joy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The critics may not have wept for joy, but customers bought the clothes, which soon boasted the sloping, loping YSL logo by the graphic designer Cassandre.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the Fox television booth, Waltrip's older brother, Darrell, a retired champion, wept for joy as he broadcast his brother's victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Kristyna has no hope of religion, although she weeps for joy at the Christmas Mass and she remembers, from what source she no longer knows, a kind of biblical plea, "We await salvation, which has departed from us".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weep for joy" when you want to express a profound emotional reaction to a joyful event. It conveys a deeper level of happiness than simply saying you are happy.

Common error

Avoid using "weep for joy" when a simple expression of happiness is sufficient. This phrase is best reserved for moments of significant emotional impact, and overusing it can dilute its effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weep for joy" functions as an idiomatic expression to convey a powerful emotional response to something positive. It signifies more than just happiness; it indicates an overwhelming surge of joy that manifests in tears. Ludwig examples show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weep for joy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a powerful emotional reaction to a joyful event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not the most frequent expression, it is commonly found in news and media and academia contexts. The phrase conveys a more profound happiness than simple statements of joy and should be reserved for moments of significant emotional impact. Related phrases such as "cry tears of happiness" offer similar emotional conveyance. The phrase is deemed appropriate for different register, but can be consider neutral to slightly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry tears of happiness

Focuses on the physical act of crying due to happiness.

shed tears of joy

Uses a more poetic expression for crying with happiness.

be overjoyed to tears

Emphasizes the feeling of being extremely happy, leading to tears.

be moved to tears of happiness

Highlights the emotional impact that causes tears of joy.

rejoice with tears

Combines the act of rejoicing with the presence of tears.

be filled with tearful joy

Highlights the mixture of joy and tears.

experience joyful weeping

Describes the act of weeping in a joyful way.

feel tears of elation

Emphasizes the feeling of elation causing tears.

be touched to tears of happiness

Indicates being deeply affected by something positive, leading to tears.

be overcome with joyful tears

Highlights the overpowering feeling of joy that results in tears.

FAQs

How can I use "weep for joy" in a sentence?

"Weep for joy" is used to describe crying because of happiness. For example, "She "wept for joy" when she heard the news."

What are some alternatives to "weep for joy"?

Alternatives include "cry tears of happiness", "shed tears of joy", or "be overjoyed to tears" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "weep for joy"?

Yes, the phrase "weep for joy" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express extreme happiness or relief.

What's the difference between "weep for joy" and "cry because I'm happy"?

"Weep for joy" is a more evocative and intense way of saying "cry because I'm happy". It suggests a deeper, more overwhelming emotional experience.