As heavy as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As heavy as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in comparisons to describe the weight of something in relation to another object or standard. Example: "The box was as heavy as a mountain, making it difficult to lift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His silence as heavy as the air.

Independent

"It's not as heavy as mine, though.

The New York Times - Magazine

The jacket is about as heavy as a regular sweatshirt.

The New York Times

It's not as heavy as chicken broth or beef stock.

The New York Times - Food

It was as heavy as a piece of canvas.

The New Yorker

And the burden is about as heavy as they come.

The New York Times

It was as heavy as a freshly acquired pelt.

The New York Times

The thickest volume feels as heavy as a bale of straw.

The Guardian - Books

It is more than three times as heavy as our own planet.

The Guardian

[ image: /photos/5909584f2179605b11ad44a4] But she did have help, as heavy as her own load was.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He says "And custom lie upon thee with a weight as heavy as...".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As heavy as" to create vivid comparisons that help your reader understand the weight or burden you are describing. For instance, 'The silence was "as heavy as" a tomb', evokes a stronger sense of gravity than simply saying it was silent.

Common error

Avoid using "As heavy as" when describing emotional burdens if a more nuanced phrase would be more appropriate. While technically correct, it can sometimes sound clichéd. Consider alternatives like 'weighed down by' or 'burdened with' for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As heavy as" functions primarily as a comparative. It is used to draw parallels in weight between two distinct entities, whether literal or figurative. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction is grammatically sound and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "As heavy as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative expression. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It serves to emphasize weight, both literally and figuratively, and is found frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and informal writing. For nuanced situations, consider alternatives such as "as weighty as" or "as ponderous as" to achieve the desired effect. Avoid overuse in emotional contexts where more specific language might be impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As weighty as

Emphasizes the significance or importance implied by weight, rather than just physical heaviness.

As substantial as

Highlights the considerable size, amount, or degree of something, implying a heavy impact or presence.

As ponderous as

Suggests a slow and labored movement or thought process due to heaviness or complexity.

As burdensome as

Focuses on the oppressive or troublesome nature of a heavy load or responsibility.

Comparable in weight to

A more formal and precise way of indicating similar mass or heaviness.

Weighing as much as

Directly states the equivalent weight of two items being compared.

Of similar heft to

Uses 'heft' to emphasize the physical effort required to lift or carry something, implying a comparison of weight.

Bearing the weight of

Emphasizes the action of supporting a load, highlighting the burden being carried.

Equivalent in load to

A more technical or precise way of expressing that two things have a similar weight or burden.

Carrying the burden of

Highlights the act of enduring a heavy responsibility or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "As heavy as" in a sentence?

The phrase "As heavy as" is used to compare the weight of one thing to another. For example, 'The box was "as heavy as" a bag of rocks' or 'His heart felt "as heavy as" lead'.

What can I say instead of "As heavy as"?

You can use alternatives like "as weighty as", "as substantial as", or "as ponderous as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "as heavy as" a feeling?

Yes, the phrase can be used metaphorically to describe feelings. For example, 'The guilt was "as heavy as" a stone in her stomach'. This implies the feeling is oppressive and burdensome.

Which is more appropriate, "as heavy as" or "weighing as much as"?

Both "as heavy as" and "weighing as much as" are correct, but "as heavy as" is often used in more descriptive or figurative contexts, while "weighing as much as" is more precise and literal.