weeping bitterly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weeping bitterly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is crying intensely and with deep sorrow or regret. Example: "After hearing the news of his friend's passing, he was weeping bitterly in the corner of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

When Tanya went to see what had happened, she found her mother on a stool beside the bathroom, weeping bitterly.

The New Yorker

The wives were huddled in twos and threes, and most of these child-bearing children were weeping bitterly.

The New Yorker

Lee gave a rare display of emotion, weeping bitterly before the television cameras, but set about creating a new "rugged society" with a sense of Singaporean identity.

Independent

An angel finds her weeping bitterly by the side of a pond and guides her on a journey on which they encounter a number of fantastical creatures.

The New York Times - Arts

"Once they came and took us both away and we couldn't warn our 15-year-old son, so he thought we'd disappeared," she complained, weeping bitterly at the memory.

The Guardian

And from the opening scene, in which Orlando (Martin Hutson) is not merely complaining about his treatment by his brother Oliver Aaron Neill) but weeping bitterly over it, Mr. Thompson steers the play in a grimly fated direction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Peter then weeps bitterly.

Wikipedia

Nor does he explain that abortion is illegal in his largely Roman Catholic country: he just offers up a pregnant woman bitterly weeping while her lover looks on in panic, and the family's regal matriarch (Gina Pareño) damns them both.

The New York Times

Balanchine, weeping.

The New York Times

They're weeping.

Independent

He is also weeping.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weeping bitterly" to vividly portray profound sorrow or regret in a narrative. It's particularly effective when showing a character's internal emotional state.

Common error

Avoid having characters say they are "weeping bitterly". Instead, show it through their actions, such as describing tear-streaked faces or choked voices. Show, don't tell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weeping bitterly" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, vividly describing an action. According to Ludwig, this construction is correct and readily usable in English. The adverb "bitterly" intensifies the verb "weeping", emphasizing the depth and intensity of the sorrow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weeping bitterly" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe intense sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it is primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to vividly portray deep sorrow. For alternatives, consider phrases like "crying inconsolably" or "sobbing uncontrollably". When employing this phrase, focus on showing the depth of emotion through descriptive details rather than stating it directly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crying inconsolably

Focuses on the inability to be comforted while crying.

sobbing uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control over one's sobs.

crying profusely

Highlights the abundance of tears shed.

shedding bitter tears

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe sorrowful tears.

lamenting deeply

Shifts focus to the act of expressing grief through weeping and words.

wailing sorrowfully

Highlights the sound of weeping and its connection to sorrow.

bawling loudly

Emphasizes the loud and unrestrained nature of the crying.

mourning intensely

Focuses on the deep sorrow and grief experienced.

grieving profoundly

Highlights the depth and impact of the grief.

crying despondently

Implies a sense of hopelessness while crying.

FAQs

What does "weeping bitterly" mean?

The phrase "weeping bitterly" describes crying intensely with deep sorrow or regret. It signifies a profound emotional response to a situation.

How can I use "weeping bitterly" in a sentence?

You can use "weeping bitterly" to describe someone's emotional state. For example: "After hearing the news, she was "weeping bitterly"."

What are some alternatives to "weeping bitterly"?

Alternatives include "crying inconsolably", "sobbing uncontrollably", or "shedding bitter tears".

Is "weeping bitterly" formal or informal?

"Weeping bitterly" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in written narratives than in everyday conversation. It maintains a neutral register and avoids slang.