What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wail
Example
The mother wailed in agony when she heard the news of her son's death. [wailed: verb]
Example
The cat wailed all night long, keeping the neighbors awake. [wailed: past tense]
cry
Example
She cried tears of joy when she saw her long-lost friend. [cried: verb]
Example
The baby cried all night, keeping the parents awake. [cried: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cry is more commonly used than wail in everyday language. Cry is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wail is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wail and cry?
Both wail and cry can be used in formal and informal contexts, but wail may be considered more dramatic and emotional, making it more appropriate for informal situations.
