What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sobbing
Example
She was sobbing uncontrollably after hearing the news. [sobbing: verb]
Example
The child's sobbing could be heard throughout the house. [sobbing: noun]
tears
Example
Her tears were streaming down her face as she watched the sad movie. [tears: noun]
Example
He tried to hold back his tears, but they eventually flowed freely. [tears: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tears is more commonly used than sobbing in everyday language. Tears is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sobbing is less common and refers to a specific type of crying.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sobbing and tears?
Both sobbing and tears are typically associated with an informal tone. However, tears can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
