weep profusely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weep profusely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is crying a lot or very intensely, often in response to strong emotions. Example: "After hearing the tragic news, she began to weep profusely, unable to contain her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Justina was devastated and wept profusely – she had contracted Ebola on her first day at work.

The Guardian

As Jones stood on the steps of the courthouse in White Plains, New York, knowing she was heading to prison, she wept profusely and apologized to her friends and family.

The Guardian - Sport

Earlier in the day, Mr. Sampogna's 34-year-old son, Frank, wept profusely at a family gathering, stirred by memories of his father.

The New York Times

Justina was devastated and wept profusely – she had contracted Ebola on her first day at work Ejelonu was pregnant and was brought into our ward bleeding from a suspected miscarriage.

The Guardian

When Pistorius stepped into the docks he broke down and wept profusely.

Huffington Post

The offense and defense and special teams finally came together, and I wept profusely for what might have been.

Huffington Post

He wept profusely at her memorial in Havana and at the internment of her ashes in Santiago's Mausoleum of the Frank País Second Front.

Huffington Post

He lived in the seventeenth century and, legend has it, wept so profusely that there were wounds on his cheeks.

The New Yorker

Throughout the entire vigil I wept openly and profusely.

Huffington Post

We've come too far, marched too long, prayed too hard, wept too bitterly, bled too profusely and died too young to let anybody turn back the clock on our journey to justice".

The New York Times

Profusely illustrated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weep profusely" to vividly depict intense sorrow or emotional distress. It adds a layer of drama and intensity to your writing, making the character's feelings more palpable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "weep profusely" in situations that call for a more subdued expression of sadness. The phrase is strong and should be reserved for moments of significant emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weep profusely" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the act of crying intensely and abundantly. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It adds vividness to descriptions of emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weep profusely" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe intense crying, typically driven by deep sorrow or emotional distress. Ludwig confirms its correctness and suitability for use in written English. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it effectively conveys strong emotions across various contexts, particularly in news and media, literature, and personal narratives. Consider alternatives like "cry uncontrollably" or "shed copious tears" to tailor the expression to the specific emotional nuance. Reserve its use for moments that demand the most extreme emotional expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry uncontrollably

Focuses on the lack of control over the crying.

sob deeply

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sobbing.

shed copious tears

Highlights the abundance of tears shed.

cry one's heart out

Implies expressing extreme grief or sorrow.

bawl loudly

Focuses on the noisy aspect of crying.

weep bitterly

Highlights the feeling of bitterness during crying.

break down in tears

Emphasizes the sudden onset of crying.

dissolve into tears

Suggests a gradual and complete surrender to crying.

cry buckets

An informal way to express crying a lot.

lament profusely

Focuses on the expression of sorrow or grief.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "weep profusely" in a sentence?

To effectively use "weep profusely", place it in contexts where characters experience intense sadness, grief, or emotional breakdown. For instance, "After the devastating news, she began to "weep profusely", unable to contain her sorrow".

What are some alternatives to "weep profusely" that I can use?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider alternatives such as "cry uncontrollably", "shed copious tears", or "sob deeply". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of intense crying.

Is it ever incorrect to use "weep profusely"?

While grammatically correct, "weep profusely" might be inappropriate in contexts that require a more subtle expression of sadness. Reserve it for situations where the intensity of emotion is paramount.

What's the difference between "weep profusely" and "cry a little"?

"Weep profusely" describes an intense and uncontrolled outpouring of tears, signifying deep sorrow or distress. In contrast, "cry a little" suggests a mild expression of sadness, lacking the intensity and drama of "weep profusely".