a heavy reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heavy reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a significant or weighty reputation, often implying that it carries both positive and negative connotations. Example: "The company has built a heavy reputation for its innovative products, but it also faces scrutiny for its labor practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So when Peter Shapiro, a founder of the Brooklyn Bowl, took over the theater last year and announced plans to reopen it as a concert hall next month, he had a heavy reputation to live up to.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His exes were attractive, intelligent women such as Sheena McDonald, the television presenter, Marion Caldwell, a lawyer, and, most surprisingly, given his rather heavy reputation, Princess Margarita of Romania, Prince Philip's goddaughter, whom he met at university.

The Guardian

"You have a great reputation".

The New York Times

He may have said the most about himself when discussing his reputation as a heavy.

The Guardian - Music

In midcareer, though, his reputation as a heavy drinker tarnished that image.

The New York Times

Asked about his co-anchor, Roger Grimsby, who died in 1995 and had a reputation as a heavy drinker, he's got nothing negative to say either.

The New York Times

Hendrix's reputation as a heavy user of drugs has hampered efforts to have Seattle honor him officially, said Ms. Hendrix and others who have lobbied for a memorial other than the zoo plaque.

The New York Times

But his admission that for years he operated a system of secret accounts to handle undeclared cash donations to his party has dealt a heavy blow to his formidable reputation.

The New York Times

"The common misconception is that Kerouac was in decline and not very productive during the period he lived in Northport," Mr. Wallace said, alluding to Kerouac's reputation as a heavy drinker frequently found at Gunther's and other local bars.

The New York Times

Politicians have also turned to intelligence to help explain their actions - in Iraq the consequences were disastrous, inflicting a heavy toll on MI6's reputation.

BBC

Given Siberia's reputation as a heavy metal bar, the music community worried the club might never procure a notoriously hard-to-get music license.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy reputation", be mindful of the connotations. It suggests a reputation that carries significant weight, whether positive or negative, and can imply a burden of expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy reputation" when you simply mean "a good reputation". The word "heavy" implies a burden or significant responsibility associated with that reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy reputation" functions as a noun phrase, where "heavy" modifies the noun "reputation". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of someone or something's established image, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a heavy reputation" is a valid and usable expression, as affirmed by Ludwig, indicating a significant or weighty reputation that often implies a burden of expectations. While grammatically correct and found in various sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, it's important to use it mindfully because it isn't interchangeable with just a positive reputation. Alternatives such as "a significant reputation" or "a strong reputation" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. When writing, remember that "a heavy reputation" suggests a reputation that carries a considerable weight, whether positive or negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant reputation

Replaces "heavy" with "significant", focusing on the importance rather than the burden of the reputation.

a strong reputation

Uses "strong" instead of "heavy", emphasizing the power and resilience of the reputation.

a weighty reputation

Substitutes "heavy" with "weighty", highlighting the seriousness and impact of the reputation.

a formidable reputation

Emphasizes the impressive and potentially intimidating nature of the reputation.

an established reputation

Focuses on the long-standing nature of the reputation.

a well-known reputation

Highlights the widespread awareness of the reputation.

a sterling reputation

Suggests a reputation of high quality and excellence.

a notorious reputation

Indicates a reputation that is widely and unfavorably known.

a checkered reputation

Implies a reputation with both positive and negative aspects.

a sullied reputation

Highlights that the reputation has been stained, damaged, or disgraced.

FAQs

How can I use "a heavy reputation" in a sentence?

You can use "a heavy reputation" to describe someone or something that has a significant or weighty reputation, often implying a burden. For instance, "The company has built "a heavy reputation" for its innovative products".

What are some alternatives to "a heavy reputation"?

Alternatives include "a significant reputation", "a strong reputation", or "a weighty reputation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a strong reputation" or "a heavy reputation"?

The choice depends on context. "A strong reputation" emphasizes resilience and power, while "a heavy reputation" suggests a burden or significant responsibility. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the reputation you're describing.

Can "a heavy reputation" have positive connotations?

Yes, but it often carries a mixed or potentially negative connotation. It implies that the reputation, while possibly impressive, also brings considerable pressure or expectations. Positive alternatives might include "a sterling reputation".