wept uncontrollably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wept uncontrollably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone crying in a way that is intense and difficult to control, often due to strong emotions. Example: "After hearing the devastating news, she wept uncontrollably, unable to contain her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Many wept uncontrollably.

The New Yorker

His father, a retired army officer, wept uncontrollably.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

The neighbor, Ulbis Rivera, wept uncontrollably when shown a photograph of Nixzmary's body.

The New York Times

Onoda wept uncontrollably as he agreed to lay down his perfectly serviceable rifle.

The Guardian

Then Mr. Emiri's son, Ali, was produced and the man wept uncontrollably.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Ms. Gorski began to weep uncontrollably.

The New York Times

"Suddenly, I began to weep uncontrollably".

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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

The Economist

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

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional reactions, consider the context and choose synonyms to "wept uncontrollably" like "cried inconsolably" or "broke down in tears" for variety and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "wept uncontrollably" in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more restrained language to maintain a professional tone. For instance, "exhibited signs of significant emotional distress" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wept uncontrollably" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where "wept" is the main verb indicating the act of crying, and "uncontrollably" is an adverb modifying the verb, describing the manner of crying. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wept uncontrollably" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a profound emotional response characterized by uncontrolled crying. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase effectively conveys intense sorrow or grief. While suitable for narrative and descriptive writing, it should be used judiciously in formal or scientific contexts where more restrained language is preferred. Consider using alternatives like "cried inconsolably" or "broke down in tears" to add nuance and variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cried inconsolably

Focuses on the inability to be comforted while crying.

sobbed deeply

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sobbing.

broke down in tears

Highlights the sudden onset of crying due to overwhelming emotion.

burst into tears

Suggests a sudden and forceful start to crying.

cried her eyes out

Emphasizes the prolonged and exhaustive nature of the crying.

was overcome with emotion

Focuses on the overwhelming feeling causing the tears.

was in floods of tears

Highlights the abundance and intensity of the tears.

shed copious tears

Emphasizes the large amount of tears shed.

cried buckets

An informal way to describe crying a lot.

dissolved in tears

Describes a complete surrender to crying.

FAQs

What does "wept uncontrollably" mean?

The phrase "wept uncontrollably" describes a state of crying intensely and without being able to stop, usually due to strong emotion such as sadness, grief, or extreme joy.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "wept uncontrollably" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "wept uncontrollably" in descriptive or narrative writing to convey a character's intense emotional state. However, it may be too informal for scientific or highly formal contexts, where more restrained language is preferable.

What are some alternative phrases to "wept uncontrollably"?

You can use alternatives like "cried inconsolably", "sobbed deeply", or "broke down in tears" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cried uncontrollably" and "wept uncontrollably"?

While both phrases convey intense crying, "wept uncontrollably" often implies a deeper sense of sorrow or grief compared to "cried uncontrollably", which can encompass a broader range of emotions. But both words can be interchangeable.