ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cry out

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to shout or make a loud sound because you are in pain, scared, or very surprised.

phr. v.. to utter a loud, spontaneous vocalization in response to physical pain, intense emotion, or a sudden realization.


SIMPLE

She had to cry out when she stubbed her toe.

CONTEXTUAL

The hikers heard someone cry out for help from the bottom of the steep hill.

COMPLEX

As the protagonist witnessed the destruction of his childhood home, he could not help but cry out in absolute despair.

Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cry + out
Usage

often followed by 'in' plus an emotion like 'pain', 'fear', or 'surprise'.

Teaching tip

distinguish this from 'cry' (to weep); 'cry out' focuses on the sudden vocal volume rather than the act of shedding tears.

Pitfall

He cried out for the pain.He cried out in pain.use 'in' to describe the emotion or state that caused the shout, rather than 'for'.

© 2026 English Reference