What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cry
Example
She couldn't help but cry when she heard the news. [cry: verb]
Example
The baby's cry could be heard throughout the house. [cry: noun]
Example
I had to cry out for help when I got lost in the woods. [cry: phrasal verb]
holler
Example
He hollered at the top of his lungs when he saw the spider. [hollered: verb]
Example
I had to holler to get my friend's attention across the street. [holler: verb]
Example
The kids were hollering with joy on the rollercoaster. [hollering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cry is more commonly used than holler in everyday language. Cry is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while holler is less common and may be seen as more informal or regional.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cry and holler?
While cry can be used in both formal and informal contexts, holler is generally associated with a more informal or colloquial tone and may not be appropriate in formal settings.
