shed tears

Meaning

To cry or weep, typically used in formal, literary, or dramatic contexts. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation, but often appears in writing, speeches, or when discussing deep emotional moments.

Examples

• She did not shed tears during the funeral, choosing instead to remain strong for her family.

  She did not shed tears during the funeral, choosing instead to remain strong for her family.

• The nation shed tears as they watched the tragic news unfold on television.

  The nation shed tears as they watched the tragic news unfold on television.

• Few people shed tears when the old, corrupt regime finally fell.

  Few people shed tears when the old, corrupt regime finally fell.

• It is rare to see him shed tears, as he usually keeps his emotions well hidden.

  It is rare to see him shed tears, as he usually keeps his emotions well hidden.

• Many readers admit to having shed tears during the final chapter of the novel.

  Many readers admit to having shed tears during the final chapter of the novel.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He shed some tear after hearing the news.

  ✓ He shed some tears after hearing the news.

  The noun 'tears' must be plural in this expression.

• ✗ Don't shed tears, everything will be fine.

  ✓ Don't cry, everything will be fine.

  'Shed tears' is too formal and dramatic for comforting a friend in everyday, casual situations.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It is rare for him to ___ over a movie.

  💡 To cry or weep (formal)

  Show answer

  shed tears

• No one expected her to ___ during her retirement speech.

  💡 To cry or weep (formal)

  Show answer

  shed tears