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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

How to use 'in' and 'with' when expressing emotons

Am I using it right? What's the difference between the sentences?

The boy is crying in pain.

The boy is crying with pain.

The rose is wilting in despair.

The rosse is wilting with despair.

Any more examples?

thanks
  

Top answer

"crying in pain" and "crying with pain" mean pretty much exactly the same thing. "wilting with despair" and "wilting in despair" also mean pretty much exactly the same thing. Saying that a rose is "wilting in/with despair" is poetic language.

— Mr Wordy

  • "crying in pain" and "crying with pain" mean pretty much exactly the same thing.
  • "wilting with despair" and "wilting in despair" also mean pretty much exactly the same thing.
  • Saying that a rose is "wilting in/with despair" is poetic language.
  • You're ascribing a human emotion (despair) to a plant.
  • It's by no means wrong, but it's not exactly everyday English.
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1 Answers
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"crying in pain" and "crying with pain" mean pretty much exactly the same thing.

"wilting with despair" and "wilting in despair" also mean pretty much exactly the same thing.

Saying that a rose is "wilting in/with despair" is poetic language. You're ascribing a human emotion (despair) to a plant. It's by no means wrong, but it's not exactly everyday English.
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