weeps in despair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weeps in despair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone expressing deep sadness or grief, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's departure, she weeps in despair, unable to contain her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Meanwhile, as one half of Glasgow weeps in despair, the whole of Edinburgh counts the sleeps until 19 May and the biggest meeting between the city's two clubs that has ever been.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Soldiers from both sides rush to attend him and laid him beneath a tree; many wept in despair.

The New York Times

Callous and barbarous wars in Yemen and Syria test our faith in humanity, while the unstoppable refugee crisis it produced makes us want to weep in despair for the decrepitude of our civilisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ross had the sort of editorial personality that caused his deputies and writers to weep, sometimes in despair, sometimes in gratitude.

The New Yorker

"They were in despair".

The New Yorker

She leaves in despair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was in despair.

The New Yorker

Jalloh was in despair.

The New Yorker

The writer was in despair.

The New Yorker

EU officials are in despair.

The Economist

Another doubles up in despair.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weeps in despair" to evoke a strong emotional response in your writing, particularly when describing a character's reaction to a devastating event.

Common error

Avoid using "weeps in despair" in casual conversation or mundane situations, as it sounds overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "is sad" or "is upset" for everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weeps in despair" functions as a compound verb phrase, where "weeps" is the primary verb indicating the action of crying, and "in despair" is a prepositional phrase modifying the verb, specifying the emotional state accompanying the act. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weeps in despair" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe deep sorrow and hopelessness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid and usable in English, though its frequency is rare. It is most commonly found in news and media sources. While generally acceptable, it is best used in literary or dramatic contexts, avoiding overuse in everyday language where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. When considering alternatives, options like "cries in anguish" or "is overcome with grief" can provide similar emotional impact. Ludwig's examples can guide you to the best usage practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cries in anguish

Focuses on expressing extreme pain and distress rather than just sadness.

sobs uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control over the crying, highlighting the overwhelming emotion.

breaks down in tears

Highlights the sudden onset of crying, indicating a collapse of emotional control.

is overcome with grief

Focuses on the feeling of grief taking over, rather than the act of crying.

is filled with sorrow

Emphasizes the internal feeling of sorrow rather than its outward expression.

is plunged into despair

Focuses on the state of hopelessness and loss of courage.

loses hope

Emphasizes the absence of hope.

falls into deep sadness

Highlights a state of deep sadness rather than an active expression of it.

succumbs to sorrow

Emphasizes the yielding to the feeling of sorrow.

shows profound grief

Focuses on the display of intense mourning.

FAQs

What does "weeps in despair" mean?

It means to cry deeply due to a feeling of utter hopelessness and loss of courage. It describes a state of profound sadness and desperation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "weeps in despair"?

It's appropriate in literary or dramatic contexts to convey intense emotional suffering. However, avoid using it in everyday situations, as it can sound melodramatic.

What can I say instead of "weeps in despair"?

You can use alternatives like "cries in anguish", "sobs uncontrollably", or "is overcome with grief" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

How does "weeps in despair" differ from "cries in despair"?

"Weeps in despair" suggests a quieter, more prolonged expression of sorrow, while "cries in despair" implies a more vocal and possibly sudden outburst of grief. The choice depends on the desired intensity and tone.