wept profusely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wept 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 wept profusely, unable to contain her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

Trotsky wept.

The New York Times

He wept.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "wept profusely"; it's most appropriate for situations involving significant emotional impact or loss.

Common error

Avoid using "wept profusely" in situations where the emotion is not genuinely intense. Overusing it can make your writing seem melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wept profusely" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action. It describes the manner of crying, emphasizing the intensity and abundance of tears. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wept profusely" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe intense crying. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, primarily found in News & Media contexts to evoke strong emotions related to grief or sorrow. Alternatives such as "cried copiously" or "shed tears profusely" can be used for variety, but "wept profusely" effectively emphasizes the abundance and intensity of tears in emotionally charged situations. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid melodrama.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cried copiously

This alternative uses a different adverb to describe the intensity of crying.

shed tears profusely

This uses "shed tears" as a more descriptive verb phrase instead of "wept".

cried uncontrollably

This focuses on the lack of control over the crying.

sobbed deeply

This alternative emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sobs.

wept bitterly

This highlights the emotional pain associated with the crying.

wailed loudly

This emphasizes the audible expression of grief.

cried with abandon

This suggests a lack of restraint in expressing sorrow.

wept rivers

This is a more figurative and dramatic way to describe excessive crying.

cried a flood of tears

This is a more descriptive and figurative way to describe excessive crying.

burst into tears

This focuses on the sudden onset of crying.

FAQs

How can I use "wept profusely" in a sentence?

You can use "wept profusely" to describe someone crying intensely. For example: "After hearing the news, she "wept profusely"."

What does "wept profusely" mean?

"Wept profusely" means to cry a lot or very intensely. It describes a strong emotional reaction often due to sadness or grief.

Which is a better alternative, "cried profusely" or "wept profusely"?

Both "cried profusely" and "wept profusely" are acceptable and have very similar meanings. "Wept" might be considered slightly more formal or literary.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "wept profusely"?

It is appropriate to use "wept profusely" when you want to emphasize the intensity and abundance of someone's tears, usually in response to a significant emotional event.