TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

He had cried vs He kept crying

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'He had cried' indicates that the crying occurred at a specific point in the past, while 'he kept crying' suggests a continuous or repeated action in the past. The choice between the two depends on the context and the specific nuance the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 757 views

He had cried

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that crying occurred at a specific point in the past.

This phrase is used to describe an action of crying that happened at a specific time in the past. It is often used in storytelling or recounting events.

Examples:

  • He had cried when he heard the news.
  • By the time she arrived, he had cried himself to sleep.
  • He had cried until 5:00.
  • But he cried someone had to die.
  • Then I understood why Grandpa had cried like that.
  • Those poor young blokes had cried out in fear, no one was listening to them.
  • We tried talking him out of it, but he cried and cried, so we thought we'd bring him in, see if you thought he had what it takes.
  • We tried talking him out of it, but he cried and cried, so we thought we'd bring him in, see if you thought he had what it takes.
  • I've cried and cried and cried...
  • He cried and cried and cried.
  • If the baby had cried, what then?
  • I was better after I had cried, than before... more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
  • I cried more than you have ever cried in your whole life.
  • In phase depression, she cried.
  • They both cried after hearing the tragic news.
  • Your mother cried her last night here.
  • The audience cried when Marilyn died.
  • He only cried when you left.
  • He cried and ate half the samples.
  • The dear Countess cried and cried.
  • He cried, and I cried...
  • You cried and cried, but I was right.

Alternatives:

  • he had been crying
  • he cried
  • he was crying
  • he had shed tears
  • he had wept

He kept crying

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a continuous or repeated action of crying in the past.

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone continued to cry over a period of time in the past. It implies a sense of duration or repetition.

Examples:

  • He kept crying throughout the night.
  • She kept crying every time she thought about the accident.
  • He kept crying: I'm cold.
  • He kept crying till I sent him bus money.
  • I kept crying and calling for him because my right leg was hurting.
  • Whether not recognizing me or ignoring me, she just kept crying.
  • When I came out there was a woman working on that hill who kept crying.
  • She kept crying on that hill.
  • So I kept crying and she kept holding me tight.
  • I'm so sorry I made you work on Christmas... but the kids kept crying for Brown Mommy.
  • She kept crying and I could take it.
  • Yes, but she kept crying!
  • No wonder that little girl kept crying and saying,
  • And kept crying until I felt empty.
  • They carried her down the hall... and... the white-haired man just kept crying.
  • When she first started drinking, she kept crying and asking what she was supposed to do.
  • It became less and less loud... but it kept crying for a very long time.
  • I know I got the swaddling thing down, but the baby kept on crying.
  • You kept stirring and crying out.
  • You held my hand so tightly, it was the only thing that kept me from crying.
  • (CRYING) He kept asking for it back.
  • He kept talking about an attack.

Alternatives:

  • he was crying continuously
  • he continued to cry
  • he cried repeatedly
  • he was in tears
  • he sobbed

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!