I weighed up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I weighed up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the process of considering or evaluating different options or factors before making a decision. Example: "Before making my final choice, I weighed up the pros and cons of each option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Replenished and renewed, I weighed up my options.

Independent

Facing this near-impossible task, I weighed up every aspect I could consider.

The Guardian

When I weighed up the cost versus the value, the UN was the obvious choice.

The Guardian

I weighed up the odds, thinking there was no chance we'd score, let alone level it, and left.

The Guardian - Sport

"This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future.

The Guardian - Sport

I weighed up the pros and cons and decided on £2.99 as low enough to remain interesting to potential readers and still supply a small profit.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I weigh up the situation.

The New York Times

Back outside, we wander into the farm shop where I weigh up which birdfood to buy.

The Guardian - Money

Discussing his willingness to make the choice on instinct, Smith said: "In the past, I've gone with that once I've weighed up all the factors and got a feeling on who I think is maybe best suited to this particular moment". He added that the key was choosing a player who could "upset Seppi".

BBC

"I've weighed up the pluses and the minuses and I'm quite comfortable with the decision.

BBC

"I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack, and I am still haunted by the events which I witnessed on that horrible afternoon.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I weighed up" when you want to convey a sense of careful consideration and evaluation of different options before making a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "I weighed up" when describing situations that require quick, immediate decisions. The phrase implies a deliberate process, which may not be suitable for urgent scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I weighed up" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a process of careful consideration or evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe decision-making processes. The phrase highlights the act of assessing different options or factors before arriving at a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I weighed up" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of carefully considering different options or factors before making a decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "I considered" or "I evaluated" exist, "I weighed up" conveys a specific sense of deliberate assessment. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a genuine evaluation process, rather than a situation requiring immediate action. The frequency of its occurrence in reliable sources like The Guardian and BBC underscores its acceptability and utility in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered

A more general term for thinking about something.

I evaluated

Implies a more formal or systematic assessment.

I assessed

Similar to 'evaluated', but can also refer to judging worth.

I pondered

Suggests a more thoughtful and reflective consideration.

I contemplated

A more formal and profound way of saying 'thought about'.

I deliberated

Emphasizes the carefulness and thoroughness of the consideration.

I thought through

Focuses on the process of carefully examining all aspects.

I examined

Suggests a detailed inspection or investigation.

I reviewed

Implies a structured analysis of available information.

I analyzed

Focuses on breaking down a complex issue into smaller parts for understanding.

FAQs

What does "I weighed up" mean?

The phrase "I weighed up" means that you carefully considered different options or factors before making a decision or taking action.

How can I use "I weighed up" in a sentence?

You can use "I weighed up" to describe a situation where you assessed different choices. For example, "I weighed up the pros and cons before accepting the job offer."

What can I say instead of "I weighed up"?

You can use alternatives like "I considered", "I evaluated", or "I assessed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I weighed up" in formal writing?

Yes, "I weighed up" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it clearly conveys the act of careful consideration. However, in very formal contexts, phrases like "I evaluated" might be preferred.