Learn English – the difference between “cry” and “burst into tears”

meaning-in-context

"I burst into tears every time I see my late Mother's picture."

"I cry a lot every time I see my late Mother's picture."

What is the difference between those two sentences?

Best Answer

Conceptually, there's not much difference at all.

However, the phrase burst into tears conveys the notion of a sudden outburst of crying. It's possible to cry a lot without bursting into tears. You could weep more gradually, sniffling, sobbing, and crying one tear at a time over an extended time span. For example, a chef might "cry a lot" while slicing onions, without ever "bursting into tears."

Bursting into tears is an expression that usually describes someone who breaks into sudden weeping after being overcome by a strong emotion, such as joy or grief.

It's also possible to burst into tears without crying a lot. For example, after a mining accident, the father of a rescued coal miner might "burst into tears" upon hearing the news of his son's rescue, but then quickly regain his composure and smile in a huge sigh of relief, hugging his neighbors and other supporters.