Hi Ed, what a good question. The difference between the three lies is their individual meanings and when they are used in real life as well as in language. "Cry out" - this implies sadness, pain, sorrow, weeping, desperately calling out for help. "Scream" - this is a high pitched prolonged sound to make an alarm during situations where one is in great fear, terror or physical pain. It could also be a sound made to indicate sudden surprise. "Yell" - this is when a person is speaking but in a raised volume or pitch. Perhaps because the person they are speaking to is far from them in distance, or because they are angry. Sometimes it's because they are speaking in a large venue and want to make sure everyone can hear them well. I hope this was helpful.

"cry out" This implies that the sound was short and sudden, due to pain, sorrow or pleasure. "scream" This is a harsh, high-pitched, prolonged sound. It implies terror or anger. "yell" This implies that the sound was lower and in the throat. It implies anger or that the listener is at a distance. "shout" This is close to "yell." The sound is made with the intent to be loud, usually in order to be sure someone is paying attention.

What the hell are you reading...