Have you ever seen the words crier and cryer and wondered which one is correct?
Or maybe you saw someone write “He was the town cryer” and thought it looked strange.
You’re not alone.
Many English learners — and even native speakers — get confused about the spelling of these two words. Both seem related to crying, both sound exactly the same, and both look almost identical. So which spelling is correct?
✅ This article will make it 100% clear.
✅ We will explain the meaning, the difference, and the correct usage of crier vs cryer.
✅ Written in simple English so even a 4th-grade student can understand.
By the end, you will know:
- What each word means
- When to use crier
- Why cryer is almost always wrong
- Easy examples and memory hacks
- A mini quiz to test your understanding
🌟 What Does Each Word Mean?
1. Crier (Correct Spelling ✅)
Part of speech: Noun (a person)
Meaning:
A crier is a person who shouts out important announcements or news, especially in olden times.
Think of someone standing in the street ringing a bell and yelling:
“Hear ye! Hear ye! Important news!”
That person is a town crier.
Not Cryer. Not Cryer.
Only Crier ✅
Examples:
- The town crier announced the king’s message.
- In old movies, you may see a crier ringing a bell.
- A crier reads news aloud so everyone can hear.
2. Cryer (Incorrect / Rare ❌)
Part of speech: Old spelling of a noun — no longer used
Meaning:
The spelling cryer is an old, outdated, and mostly incorrect form of the modern spelling crier. Some very old English writings (hundreds of years ago) used cryer, but today, it is not standard English.
Today, dictionaries and modern grammar accept only one correct spelling: Crier.
Examples (NOT recommended today):
- He worked as the town cryer. ❌ (wrong spelling)
- The king’s cryer delivered messages. ❌
📌 Rule: ALWAYS use crier in modern English.
✅ The Key Difference Between Crier and Cryer
| Word | Correct Spelling? | Meaning | Usage in English | Modern Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crier | ✅ Yes (modern + dictionary-approved) | A person who makes public announcements | Used in writing, school essays, resumes, and formal English | “The town crier rang the bell.” |
| Cryer | ❌ No (old / outdated) | Old spelling (used centuries ago) | Not used today, considered incorrect spelling | “The town cryer…” (WRONG) |
🔥 Quick Tip to Remember
✅ If you’re talking about someone announcing news → CRIER
❌ Never use CRYER in modern English.
A simple memory hack:
“Crier” has i, just like “announce” has i” (in “information”).
When announcing information, use crier.
❌ Common Writing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
❌ Incorrect:
The king sent his cryer to the village.
✅ Correct:
The king sent his crier to the village.
❌ Incorrect:
I learned about cryer in history class.
✅ Correct:
I learned about crier in history class.
Why do people make this mistake?
Because:
- Both words sound the same (homophones)
- People think cryer (someone who cries) makes sense
But in English, a person who cries a lot is not called a cryer.
We simply say:
“She cries a lot.”
“He is crying.”
There is no noun form meaning “someone who cries.”
🟦 When to Use Crier (Correct Word)
Use crier when talking about someone who announces messages publicly.
Situations where “crier” is used:
- History books
- Medieval stories
- Old government systems
- School essays
- News or documentaries
Example sentences (easy and relatable):
- The crier walked through the streets shouting the news.
- Our class watched a video about the town crier in old England.
- The crier rang a bell to get everyone’s attention.
- Without radios, people depended on the crier.
- In the storybook, the crier delivered a message from the queen.
🟥 When to Use Cryer (Avoid This Spelling)
You should NOT use “cryer” in modern English.
It only appears:
- In very old English texts
- In handwriting or documents from before the 1700s
Today, it is considered:
❌ Incorrect spelling
Memory Trick:
“Cryer” looks like the word cry. A crier is not about crying, but about announcing news.
🔁 Quick Recap: Crier vs Cryer
- ✅ Crier = correct spelling
- ❌ Cryer = wrong / outdated spelling
- “Crier” means a person who announces messages publicly.
- “Cryer” should never be used in modern writing.
✏️ Advanced Tips (Optional — For Students, Bloggers, & Writers)
Origin / Word History
- “Crier” comes from the Old French word crier, meaning “to shout” or “to announce.”
- The spelling “cryer” existed before standardized spelling rules.
Formal writing
- Always use crier in essays, exams, articles, and school homework.
Online usage
- In texting or on social media, people sometimes type fast and use cryer, but it is still incorrect.
🧠 Mini Quiz (Test Yourself!)
Choose the correct word: crier or cryer
- The king sent the town _______ to deliver the message.
- In history class, we learned about the village _______.
- A ________ rings a bell to get attention.
- The spelling _______ is not used in modern English.
- The _______ shouted the news loudly.
Answers (don’t peek):
- crier ✅
- crier ✅
- crier ✅
- cryer ❌
- crier ✅
📌 FAQs (Featured Snippet Ready)
1. Which spelling is correct: crier or cryer?
✅ The correct spelling is crier.
2. Is “cryer” ever correct?
It is an old spelling from centuries ago and should not be used today.
3. What does “crier” mean in English?
A crier is a person who announces news or messages to the public.
4. Can we use “crier” to describe someone who cries?
No. English does not use a noun for “someone who cries.” We simply say “He cries.”
5. Do dictionaries accept “cryer”?
No. Modern dictionaries only recognize crier.
✅ Conclusion
The difference between crier vs cryer is very simple:
| Use | Word |
|---|---|
| ✅ Modern, correct, dictionary-approved | Crier |
| ❌ Incorrect, outdated spelling | Cryer |
A crier announces news.
Cryer is not used today.
Every time you’re writing an essay, a story, or even a social media post, remember:
Use Crier. Forget Cryer.
Keep practicing — every small grammar rule you learn makes your English stronger.
You’re improving, and that matters. 🌟
Polly Clark creates clear, insightful guides on language and usage, helping readers understand meanings, differences, and nuances with clarity and confidence.
