yell

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "yell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe verbal shouting, usually in the context of someone being angry or excited. For example: "The angry customer let out a loud yell when he discovered his order was incorrect".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I have a method: I hear the word "Barclays" or suchlike, and I yell "Fuck off!" Very loudly.

The Guardian - Money

In the run up to announcing a legislative programme entirely composed of the sort of things the Sheriff of Nottingham would yell at villagers as threats, he had everybody talking about foxes.

The Guardian - Opinion

They approached the situation wrong … You don't yell like that when you've got a mentally ill man".

The Guardian

I was walking down the street the other day when two men in a car came to a screeching stop just to yell at me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes! Yes!" Alexander noted that he will regularly "serve a pair of legs" in shorts, but has never had someone yell at him on the streets about it – but thinks that the lack of harassment might have to do with the "shock" of seeing someone 6'5" [1.96m] walking down the street so unapologetically.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They yell out the woman's name to see if she is in there, and she emerges with the two children.

The Guardian

I let out a yell that echoed round the mountain.

The Guardian - Film

When I asked him why someone would feel so uncomfortable that they would yell at me about my shorts, he told me that maybe it's a "gender thing".

The Guardian - Opinion

Witness 2 heard [X] repeatedly yell, "Fuck" and then saw [X] stomp on the sheep's head, twice, audibly bouncing the animal's head off the hard wooden floor.

The Guardian

Those comments prompted deputy Labor leader to yell to Bishop: "most biased speaker ever!" She was forced to withdraw after Pyne called her "appalling".

The Guardian

"I'll yell the rest of my commands from the cockpit".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yell" to describe loud, forceful vocalizations, considering its emotional intensity and context. It's suitable for both expressing anger and excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "yell" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral term like "state", "announce", or "declare" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "yell" is as a verb to describe the act of making a loud, forceful vocalization, often expressing strong emotion. It can also function as a noun, referring to the shout itself. Ludwig AI confirms its standard use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yell" is a verb and noun that describes making a loud, forceful vocalization. As Ludwig AI states, the word is correct and usable in written English, often used to describe shouting when someone is angry or excited. It's a very common word, frequently appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically sound, its use should be considered in formal settings, opting for more neutral terms when appropriate. Related phrases like "shout", "holler", and "scream" offer nuanced alternatives. Using "yell" effectively involves understanding its emotional intensity and aligning it with the intended context and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shout

Indicates a loud vocalization, similar to yell but potentially less emotionally charged.

holler

Implies a loud cry, often used informally and suggesting a rural context.

call out

Means to shout something loudly, often to attract attention or communicate a message.

scream

Suggests a high-pitched, intense vocalization, typically driven by fear or excitement.

cry out

Emphasizes the act of producing a loud sound, often in response to pain or surprise.

bawl

Implies a loud, unrestrained cry, often associated with distress or anger.

shriek

A sharp piercing cry. Similar to scream but potentially more brief and intense.

roar

Suggests a deep, powerful vocalization, akin to an animal's sound or a crowd's cheer.

bellow

Indicates a loud, booming sound, often used to project one's voice over a distance.

vociferate

Implies expressing something loudly and vehemently, often in protest or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "yell" in a sentence?

You can use "yell" to describe someone shouting loudly, for example: "He "yelled" at the top of his lungs".

What words are similar to "yell"?

Alternatives to "yell" include "shout", "holler", "scream", and "cry out", depending on the context and the intensity of the sound.

Is it correct to say "yelled out"?

Yes, "yelled out" is a common phrasal verb form of "yell", meaning to shout something loudly. For example: "She "yelled out" a warning".

What's the difference between "yell" and "whisper"?

"Yell" describes a loud shout, whereas "whisper" refers to speaking very softly, often in a secretive manner. They are antonyms in terms of volume.