Cryer vs Crier: Differences And Uses For Each One

Many people get confused between “cryer” and “crier” because they sound almost the same. However, these two words have very different meanings, and using the wrong one can change the message entirely. A “crier” is someone who makes public announcements, like a town crier calling out news in the streets or a court crier reading a verdict.

On the other hand, a “cryer” refers to a person who cries easily or often, although it is less commonly used in modern English. Understanding the difference between these words is important for clear communication. In this article, we will explore the definitions, proper usage, examples, common mistakes, and tips to use “cryer” and “crier” correctly in everyday writing and speech.

Define Cryer

Cryer (noun): A cryer is a person who cries or sheds tears, often easily or frequently. This term is generally used to describe someone who is emotionally expressive or prone to crying. While it is less common in modern English, it can appear in literature, descriptions of personality, or historical references.

Example sentences:

The baby was a constant cryer, keeping the parents awake at night.
She was a natural cryer, moved to tears by even small acts of kindness.

Define Crier

Crier (noun): A crier is a person who makes public announcements or proclamations, often using a loud voice to capture attention. Historically, town criers would deliver news, official messages, or proclamations in public spaces before newspapers and other modern communication methods existed. Today, the term can still refer to someone announcing events, like an auctioneer or court crier.

Example sentences:

The town crier announced the festival to everyone in the square.
The auction crier shouted the bids to the eager crowd.
During medieval times, a crier was an important figure for spreading news quickly.

Using “Cryer” in a Sentence

Meaning: A cryer is someone who cries or sheds tears.

Examples:

The baby was a constant cryer, keeping his parents awake all night.
She is a sensitive cryer, easily moved by emotional movies.
Many children are cryers when they don’t get their way.

Tip: Use “cryer” only to describe someone expressing emotions through crying.

Using “Crier” in a Sentence

Meaning: A crier is someone who announces news or proclamations publicly.

Examples:

The town crier announced the king’s decree to the townspeople.
The auction crier called out the bids to the excited crowd.
The court crier read the verdict aloud in the courtroom.

More Examples Of Cryer & Crier Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between “cryer” and “crier,” it’s important to see how these words are used in sentences. Here are some examples of both:

Examples of Using “Cryer” in a Sentence

The actress was known as a prolific cryer during emotional scenes.
He became a cryer when he watched the heartwarming movie.
The toddler is a frequent cryer, especially when tired or hungry.
She’s a natural cryer, shedding tears at small gestures of kindness.
Even adults can be cryers during weddings or farewell parties.

Examples of Using “Crier” in a Sentence

The town crier announced the festival schedule in the main square.
The auction crier shouted the bids, keeping the crowd engaged.
The court crier read the judge’s verdict to the assembled audience.
The news crier delivered the daily updates to the townspeople.
The crier’s booming voice echoed through the streets, grabbing everyone’s attention.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “cryer” and “crier,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Cryer” Instead of “Crier”

Mistake: “The cryer announced the festival in the town square.”
Why it’s wrong: A cryer refers to someone who cries or sheds tears, not someone who makes public announcements. The correct word is crier.

2. Using “Crier” to Mean “Crybaby”

Mistake: “Don’t be such a crier!”
Why it’s wrong: Crier is for someone who makes announcements publicly, not someone who cries easily. Use crybaby or cryer in this context.

3. Using “Cryer” to Mean “Announcer”

Mistake: “The cryer called out the auction bids.”
Why it’s wrong: Only crier is correct for someone announcing news, events, or bids.

Tips to Avoid These Mistakes

Remember cryer = someone who cries, crier = someone who announces publicly.
Double-check the context before writing or speaking.
When unsure, think: “Is this person announcing something (crier) or shedding tears (cryer)?”

Context Matters: When to Use Cryer vs Crier

Choosing between cryer and crier depends on the situation and what you are describing. Using the correct word ensures your meaning is clear.

1. Emotional Expression

Use “cryer” when talking about someone who cries easily or frequently.
Example: “The baby was a constant cryer, keeping the parents awake all night.”

2. Public Announcements

Use “crier” for someone who announces information publicly, often loudly.
Example: “The town crier announced the news of the festival from the square.”

3. Historical or Legal Context

Crier is often used in historical or legal contexts, such as town criers or court criers.
Example: “The court crier read the verdict aloud to the courtroom.”

4. Creative or Figurative Usage

Authors may occasionally use cryer or crier in literature for dramatic or artistic effect, but the general rules still apply.

Exceptio ns To The Rules

While the rules for using cryer and crier are generally clear, there are some exceptions to keep in mind:

1. Historical Usage

In older texts or historical contexts, cryer may sometimes appear as an accepted spelling for crier. In these cases, the meaning is usually clear from context, but modern English favors crier for public announcers.

2. Regional Differences

Spelling conventions can vary by region. For example:

British English: “crier” is the standard spelling.
American English: Some older texts might use “cryer” for public announcers, though it is less common today.

3. Creative Writing

Writers may deliberately use cryer or crier for stylistic or artistic purposes. For instance, a novelist might use “cryer” to reflect a character’s personality or speech pattern.

4. Brand Names

Some companies or products may use cryer or crier in their branding. In such cases, the spelling follows the brand choice rather than standard rules.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct word (cryer or crier) to complete each sentence:

The town _________ announced the festival in the main square.
The baby was a constant _________, keeping everyone awake all night.
The _________ at the funeral moved many people to tears.
The auction _________ shouted out the highest bids to the crowd.
The _________ in the courtroom read the verdict aloud.

Answer Key:

crier
cryer
cryer
crier
crier

Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

The _________ at the game was announcing the score.
a) cryer
b) crier
The child’s constant crying made her parents feel like they had a _________.
a) cryer
b) crier
The _________ at the theater instructed people to turn off their phones.
a) cryer
b) crier
At the medieval fair, the town _________ declared the start of the festival.
a) cryer
b) crier
The professional _________ was hired to shed tears during the ceremony.
a) cryer
b) crier

Answer Key:

b) crier
a) cryer
b) crier
b) crier
a) cryer

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between cryer and crier, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses. A cryer refers to someone who cries or sheds tears, often in emotional situations, while a crier is a person who makes public announcements or proclamations.

Using the wrong word can cause confusion and miscommunication, so it is important to understand the context before choosing which term to use. By paying attention to these differences and practicing proper usage, writers and speakers can communicate more clearly and effectively.

Key Takeaways

Cryer: Refers to someone who cries or weeps.
Crier: Refers to someone who announces information publicly.
Do not use these words interchangeably.
Context is essential in choosing the correct word.
Understanding the differences improves writing clarity and communication skills.

FAQs

What is the difference between cryer and crier?
A cryer is someone who cries or sheds tears, while a crier is a person who announces information publicly. They are not interchangeable.

Can I use “cryer” to mean someone who announces news?
No. The correct word for someone who makes public announcements is crier.

Is “crier” the same as a crybaby?
No. Crier refers to someone announcing something, not someone who cries easily.

Can “cryer” ever be correct?
Yes, when referring to a person who cries frequently, though it is not commonly used in modern English.

Are there regional differences in using these words?
Sometimes, yes. British English tends to use crier for both historical announcements and emotional contexts, while American English may see “cryer” occasionally.

Emily Grace

Hi, I’m Emily Grace, a blogger with over 4 years of experience in sharing thoughts about blessings, prayers, and mindful living. I love writing words that inspire peace, faith, and positivity in everyday life.