weeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "weeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective or verb, meaning to shed tears in sorrow or distress. Example sentence: Her weeping disturbed the mourners at the funeral.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was just sitting there weeping so it's still very real, it's still very present, it's still very alive.

The Guardian

The works, which he trailed on his Instagram account last night, include one piece which somewhat resembles Rodin's sculpture The Thinker, with the figure's hand gone from thoughtfully supporting his face to covering it in despair – or perhaps Niobe, the classical figure weeping for the loss of her children.

The Guardian - Arts

Nonetheless, there were some strong moments for Clegg, as when he described people weeping in his surgeries after being told they had to give back mistakenly overpaid tax credits, and he finished strongly on education.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I need you to section me," the man says, weeping again.

The Guardian

Ellahi sat in the dock with his head in head in his hands weeping through the hour-long hearing, his sobs often audible to those in court.

The Guardian

And if that hasn't reduced you to tears, you will be weeping into your cupcakes when you watch Jamie Oliver's workforce create a 40th birthday surprise for the celebrity TV chef, complete with Star Wars characters, a huge birthday cake, a robot, and teams wearing his trademark plaid shirts.

The Guardian

The Iranian government, in particular, has condemned the latest cover of the magazine, which showed a weeping prophet Muhammad holding up a sign reading "Je Suis Charlie", saying it was provocative and insulting to Islam.

The Guardian

Bim Adewunmi is a freelance journalist and blogger Both music videos feature a full-frame close up of a crop-haired woman weeping.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when, after the ensuing mayhem, the man goes weeping to his death, he seems to become a tragic figure, even Christlike; some ludicrously misguided social reformer, perhaps, rather than a mindless tyrant.

The Guardian - Books

Both of them were weeping openly – though they tried to hide their tears from me because it wasn't done to let your son see you cry".

The Guardian

Life after work can include plans with friends, rather than isolated weeping.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weeping" to convey a sense of deep sorrow or grief in a literary or formal context. It suggests a more profound emotional response than simply "crying".

Common error

Avoid using "weeping" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "crying" or "tearing up".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weeping" is as a verb (specifically, the present participle). It can also function as a gerund or noun, describing the act of crying. Ludwig AI confirms that "weeping" is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weeping" is a grammatically sound term that typically functions as a verb or gerund to express deep sorrow or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While "weeping" is frequently found in news and media sources to convey emotional intensity, it can also be used in science and formal business settings with less frequency. When choosing "weeping", consider the context and desired tone, as it may sound overly dramatic in informal settings. Alternatives such as "crying", "sobbing", or "lamenting" may be more appropriate depending on the specific emotion and situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crying

Focuses on the general act of shedding tears, similar to "weeping" but can also indicate joy or other emotions.

sobbing

Implies a more convulsive and audible form of crying, often associated with intense emotion.

bawling

Suggests loud, unrestrained crying, often used to describe a child's crying.

shedding tears

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the physical act of producing tears.

lamenting

Focuses on expressing sorrow or grief, often verbally.

mourning

Describes the act of grieving for a loss, often over a longer period.

grieving

Similar to mourning, emphasizing the emotional experience of loss.

wailing

Implies a loud, prolonged cry of sorrow or pain.

whimpering

Suggests quiet, subdued crying, often indicating fear or distress.

blubbering

Describes uncontrolled crying and speaking, often making speech difficult.

FAQs

What's the difference between "weeping" and "crying"?

"Weeping" often suggests a deeper, more prolonged display of sorrow, while "crying" can refer to any instance of shedding tears, including from joy or minor sadness.

How to use "weeping" in a sentence?

You can use "weeping" as a verb, like in the sentence "She was "weeping" softly". Or, you can use it as a gerund or participle, such as in "The sound of "weeping" filled the room" or "He saw her "weeping" by the window".

What can I say instead of "weeping"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "sobbing", "lamenting", or "shedding tears".

Is "weeping" formal or informal?

"Weeping" tends to be more formal and literary than "crying". It is often used in writing to create a more dramatic or poignant effect.