weep uncontrollably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weep uncontrollably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of crying without restraint, often due to strong emotions such as sadness or grief. Example: "After hearing the news, she began to weep uncontrollably, unable to contain her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Ms. Gorski began to weep uncontrollably.

The New York Times

"Suddenly, I began to weep uncontrollably".

The Guardian

His human raft.At this point in his story he would weep uncontrollably.

The Economist

Both are guaranteed to make girls of a certain age weep uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Film

He'd spent days watching his fellow Christian campers weep uncontrollably, repenting and begging God's forgiveness, and he has a confession to share.

The Guardian - Film

I remember doing Beckett at the Haymarket with Derek Jacobi in the early 90s, and there was a scene in which I had to weep uncontrollably.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Many wept uncontrollably.

The New Yorker

He weeps uncontrollably at the story of Imam Hussein's martyrdom.

The Guardian

His father, a retired army officer, wept uncontrollably.

The New York Times

In one startling section, he weeps uncontrollably when he witnesses any example of "surpassing human achievement".

The New York Times - Books

Outside reports said he wept uncontrollably as he laid his rifle down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for moments of high emotional stakes, such as tragedy, overwhelming relief or significant life transitions to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid pairing "weep uncontrollably" with other adverbs like "sadly" or "unhappily". Since "weeping" inherently implies sadness, adding another descriptor for the mood can clutter the sentence and weaken the imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weep uncontrollably" functions as a verb phrase consisting of the intransitive verb "weep" modified by the manner adverb "uncontrollably". In Ludwig examples, it consistently describes a subject's loss of emotional restraint. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard, grammatically correct expression for depicting visceral human reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weep uncontrollably" is a well-established and powerful tool in the English language for describing a total collapse of emotional composure. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and highly effective in narrative and journalistic contexts. Whether used to describe a soldier surrendering, a grieving parent or an athlete's victory, it conveys a level of sincerity and depth that simpler verbs might miss. Writers should use it to add emotional weight to a scene, while being careful not to over-describe the surrounding mood, as the phrase itself carries significant descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry uncontrollably

A more common and slightly less literary alternative to describe the same action.

sob uncontrollably

Focuses on the physical convulsive gasping associated with intense crying.

break down in tears

Emphasizes the sudden loss of composure or the moment emotion takes over.

dissolve into tears

A more metaphorical and literary way to describe a total emotional collapse.

weep bitterly

Suggests a deep sense of resentment, regret or profound grief.

cry one's eyes out

An idiomatic expression suitable for more informal or colloquial contexts.

shed tears profusely

A more formal, almost clinical description of the physical act.

bawl like a baby

Often used to describe loud, uninhibited and sometimes messy crying.

howl with grief

Highlights the vocal and audible aspect of extreme mourning.

weeping and wailing

A biblical or archaic-sounding phrase that combines crying with vocal laments.

FAQs

How do I use "weep uncontrollably" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a state of intense emotion, for example: "When the lost hiker saw his family again, he began to weep uncontrollably".

What is a more common way to say "weep uncontrollably"?

A more everyday alternative is "<a href="/s/cry+uncontrollably" target="_blank" rel="alternative">cry uncontrollably", which carries the same meaning but is less formal.

What is the difference between "weep" and "sob"?

While "weep" is often a quieter, more tear-focused action, "<a href="/s/sob+uncontrollably" target="_blank" rel="alternative">sob uncontrollably" usually implies loud, convulsive gasps for breath.

Can I use "weep uncontrollably" in professional writing?

Yes, it is appropriate for narrative journalism or formal reports on human experiences, though in strictly technical writing, "<a href="/s/crying+heavily" target="_blank" rel="alternative">crying heavily" might be preferred.