English can be tricky, especially when two words look and sound almost the same. Crier and cryer are perfect examples. Many people think both words mean the same thing, or they are just different spellings. That is why this confusion happens so often in writing, exams, and daily English use.
If you have ever wondered about the difference between crier and cryer, you are not alone. Even native English speakers sometimes pause before choosing the correct word. The good news is that this guide will make everything very clear and simple.
In this article, you will learn the meaning of crier and cryer, how each word is used, and which one is correct in different situations. With easy examples, short sentences, and real-life stories, even a 4th-grade student can understand it easily. By the end, you will feel confident using both words correctly in your writing and speaking.
What Does Each Word Mean?
Before understanding the difference, let’s first look at what crier and cryer mean on their own.
Meaning of Crier
A crier is a person whose job or role is to shout, announce, or call out information so that many people can hear it.
In old times, when there were no phones or newspapers, a town crier walked through the streets and shouted news loudly.
Part of speech:
- Noun (a naming word for a person)
Easy examples of crier:
- The town crier rang a bell and shared the news.
- In the story, a royal crier announced the king’s message.
- Long ago, people trusted the crier for daily updates.
Simple story to remember:
Imagine a man standing in a town square, ringing a bell and shouting news. He is not crying. He is announcing. That man is a crier.
Meaning of Cryer
A cryer is a person who cries, usually because they are sad, emotional, or upset.
It comes from the verb cry, which means to shed tears or show strong feelings.
Part of speech:
- Noun (a person who cries)
Easy examples of cryer:
- The baby is a loud cryer at night.
- She is a happy cryer during emotional movies.
- He was known as a quiet cryer, not showing tears in public.
Simple story to remember:
Think of a baby who cries a lot. That baby is a cryer because they cry often.
The Key Difference Between Crier and Cryer
The main difference is why the person is making noise.
- A crier makes noise to announce news.
- A cryer makes noise because they are crying with emotion.
| Feature | Crier | Cryer |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A person who announces news | A person who cries |
| Related word | Cry (to shout) | Cry (to shed tears) |
| Common use | Town news, announcements | Emotions, sadness, joy |
| Example | Town crier | A baby who cries |
| Common today? | Rare, historical | Common, everyday |
Quick Tip to Remember
- Crier = C for Call out news
- Cryer = Cry + er (someone who cries)
If it is about announcing, choose crier.
If it is about tears, choose cryer.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many learners mix these words because they sound similar. Let’s look at common mistakes.
Mistake 1
❌ He was a town cryer in the old city.
✅ He was a town crier in the old city.
Why it’s wrong:
A town announcer does not cry with tears. He announces news. So crier is correct.
Mistake 2
❌ The baby is a heavy crier because she feels sad.
❌ The baby is a heavy crier → This is actually correct
❌ The baby is a heavy crier (wrong correction attempt)
Correct sentence:
✅ The baby is a heavy cryer.
Why confusion happens:
People see “cry” and add “er” without thinking. Remember, emotion = cryer.
Mistake 3
❌ She is a crier when watching emotional movies.
✅ She is a cryer when watching emotional movies.
How to avoid mistakes:
Always ask yourself:
👉 Is this about news or feelings?
When to Use Crier
Use crier when talking about announcements, shouting news, or public messages.
This word is often used in:
- History books
- Stories
- Old-style writing
- Formal or literary English
Situations where crier is correct:
- Town announcements
- Royal messages
- Old traditions
Easy example sentences:
- The crier announced the festival dates.
- A town crier shared news before newspapers existed.
- The royal crier spoke loudly in the market.
- Children listened carefully to the crier.
- The job of a crier was very important long ago.
Real-life connection:
You may not see a crier today, but news reporters are a modern version of it.
When to Use Cryer
Use cryer when talking about emotions, tears, or feelings.
This word is common in:
- Daily conversation
- Parenting talk
- Emotional descriptions
Situations where cryer is correct:
- Babies crying
- Emotional people
- Sad or happy moments
Easy example sentences:
- The baby is a soft cryer.
- He is not a loud cryer.
- She is a cryer during sad songs.
- Some people are easy cryers.
- The movie made me a cryer.
Memory Hack
Picture tears falling from eyes.
Tears = cryer.
Quick Recap: Crier vs Cryer
- Crier
- Announces news
- Shouts information
- Used in history or stories
- Cryer
- Cries with emotion
- Shows feelings
- Used in daily life
One-line trick:
News = crier
Tears = cryer
Advanced Tips (For Curious Learners)
Word Origin
- Crier comes from old French words meaning “to call out loudly.”
- Cryer comes directly from the verb cry, meaning to shed tears.
Use in Exams and Writing
- In exams, crier is usually linked to “town crier.”
- Cryer appears in essays about emotions or behavior.
Texting and Online Writing
- Many people wrongly use crier online when they mean cryer.
- This mistake can change the meaning of a sentence completely.
Using the correct word shows strong English skills.
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with crier or cryer.
- The baby is a loud _______.
- The town _______ shared the king’s order.
- She is a happy _______ at weddings.
- Long ago, a _______ walked through the streets.
- He is not a public _______, but he cries alone.
Answers:
- cryer
- crier
- cryer
- crier
- cryer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between crier and cryer?
A crier announces news, while a cryer cries with emotion.
2. Is cryer a real English word?
Yes, cryer is a correct noun for a person who cries.
3. Is crier still used today?
Yes, but mostly in historical or literary contexts like “town crier.”
4. Which word is more common?
Cryer is more common in daily English than crier.
5. Can crier and cryer be used as verbs?
No, both are nouns. The verb form is cry.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between crier and cryer is much easier than it first seems. A crier announces news, while a cryer shows emotion by crying. Once you remember this simple idea, you will never mix them up again.
English becomes easier when you learn words with clear examples and stories. Practice using both words in short sentences. Read them out loud. Soon, choosing the correct word will feel natural.
Keep learning one small rule every day. Step by step, your English will become stronger and more confident. You are doing great—keep going!
English playwright and novelist Patrick Hamilton (1904–1962) captured psychological tension, social decay, and dark humor in gripping, unforgettable stories.
