In the quiet moments between a breaking voice and falling tears, confusion often slips in unnoticed much like the choice between crier and cryer.
Imagine a town square at dawn, where a man announces news with a loud, practiced call, while nearby someone hides their face, overwhelmed by emotion. Both are connected by sound and sorrow, yet only one fits the moment.
Language works the same way. Small spelling changes can shift meaning, tone, and purpose entirely. Many writers pause at this crossroads, unsure which word belongs on the page. .
What Does “Crier” Mean?
Meaning of Crier
Crier is the correct and standard spelling in modern English.
A crier is:
- A person who cries
- A person who announces news publicly (historical usage)
The word crier comes from the verb cry, which means:
- To shed tears
- To shout or call out loudly
Crier as “Someone Who Cries”
In everyday modern English, crier usually means a person who cries easily or often.
Examples:
- She is a very emotional crier during movies.
- I’m not a big crier, but that story touched my heart.
- He’s a happy crier whenever good news arrives.
This usage is common in spoken and written English today.
Crier as “A Public Announcer” (Historical Meaning)
Historically, a crier was a person who shouted announcements in public places.
The most famous example is the town crier.
Example:
- The town crier announced the king’s orders in the village square.
Although this meaning is less common today, it is still grammatically correct and widely recognized.
What Does “Cryer” Mean?
Is “Cryer” a Correct Word?
Cryer is considered an incorrect or non-standard spelling in modern English.
While it looks logical (since it comes from “cry”), English spelling rules change the “y” to “i” before adding “-er” in this case.
So:
- ❌ Cry + er = cryer (incorrect)
- ✅ Cry → crier (correct)
Is Cryer Ever Used?
You may still see cryer in:
- Old texts
- Misspellings
- Informal writing
- Social media posts
Crier or Cryer: Which One Is Correct?
The Correct Answer
✅ Crier is correct
❌ Cryer is incorrect
Always use crier in proper English.
Why Is It Spelled “Crier” and Not “Cryer”?
English has a spelling rule:
When a verb ends in -y, the y often changes to i before adding -er, -est, or -ed.
Examples of Similar Words:
| Verb | Correct Noun |
| cry | crier |
| fly | flier |
| try | trier |
| spy | spier |
This is why crier follows the same pattern.
Crier vs Cryer: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Crier | Cryer |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in dictionaries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Suitable for exams | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Professional writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Based on grammar rules | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
How to Use “Crier” in a Sentence
Everyday Examples
- I’ve always been a crier when it comes to emotional songs.
- She admitted she’s a crier during weddings.
- He’s not a crier, even in sad moments.
Emotional Context Examples
- Don’t judge her; she’s just a sensitive crier.
- Being a crier doesn’t mean you’re weak.
- Many people are silent criers.
Historical Context Examples
- The town crier rang a bell before making announcements.
- In medieval times, a crier was very important.
- The crier shouted news in the marketplace.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Using “Cryer” Instead of “Crier”
❌ She is a big cryer.
✅ She is a big crier.
2. Thinking Both Spellings Are Correct
Many people believe both spellings are acceptable. This is not true.
Only crier is correct.
3. Overthinking the Spelling
Some learners avoid the word completely because they’re unsure of the spelling. Once you remember the rule, it becomes easy.
Easy Spelling Tips to Remember “Crier”
Tip 1: Remember the Rule
Cry → Crier (Y changes to I)
Tip 2: Think of Similar Words
- Try → Trier
- Fly → Flier
If those use i, then crier does too.
Tip 3: Avoid Phonetic Spelling
English spelling doesn’t always follow sound. Even though “cryer” sounds right, it’s not correct.
Is “Crier” a Noun or a Verb?
Part of Speech
Crier is a noun.
- Verb: cry
- Noun: crier
Example:
- Verb: She tends to cry easily.
- Noun: She is a crier.
Can “Crier” Be Used Informally?
Yes, crier is commonly used in informal speech and writing.
Example:
- I’m such a crier during dramas.
It is also perfectly acceptable in formal writing.
Is “Crier” Used in American and British English?
Yes. Crier is used in:
- American English
- British English
- Canadian English
- Australian English
The spelling remains the same across all major English varieties.
Crier in Popular Phrases
Common Expressions
- Town crier
- Happy crier
- Emotional crier
These phrases are widely used and grammatically correct.
FAQs: People Also Ask About “Crier or Cryer”
Is cryer a real word?
No. Cryer is not a standard English word. It is considered a misspelling of crier.
Why do people spell crier as cryer?
Because it looks logical based on the verb “cry.” However, English spelling rules change the “y” to “i.”
Which spelling should I use in exams?
Always use crier. Using cryer may be marked as incorrect.
Is crier used only for emotional people?
No. It can also refer to historical roles like a town crier.
Can I use crier in professional writing?
Yes. Crier is fully accepted in professional and academic writing.
Is crier a formal word?
It can be both formal and informal, depending on context.
Does cryer appear in dictionaries?
No. Standard dictionaries list crier, not cryer.
What is the plural of crier?
The plural form is criers.
Example:
- The audience was full of criers.
Quick Summary: Crier or Cryer
- ✅ Crier is correct
- ❌ Cryer is incorrect
- Crier follows standard English spelling rules
- Use crier in all writing situations
Conclusion
The confusion between crier or cryer is very common, but the correct answer is clear. Crier is the only correct spelling in modern English. It follows established grammar rules and is recognized by dictionaries, teachers, and style guides.
Whether you are writing an essay, preparing for an exam, creating content, or simply improving your English, always choose crier. Avoid cryer, as it is considered a spelling mistake. By understanding the rule behind the spelling and practicing with examples, you can use crier confidently and correctly every time.
