What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crying
Example
She couldn't stop crying after hearing the news. [crying: present participle]
Example
The baby started crying when he saw his mother leave. [crying: gerund]
sobbing
Example
She was sobbing uncontrollably after the breakup. [sobbing: present participle]
Example
He fell to the ground, sobbing in despair. [sobbing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crying is more commonly used than sobbing in everyday language. Crying is a natural response to emotions and can be seen as a more common and natural expression of emotions, while sobbing is less common and often associated with a more intense and dramatic display of emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crying and sobbing?
Both crying and sobbing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but crying is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, making it more suitable for formal situations.
