a weight on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weight on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a burden or something that causes stress or pressure in a figurative sense. Example: "The responsibilities of work and family felt like a weight on her shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a seesaw, with the patient on one side and a weight on the other side.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

"But it's a weight on me.

The Guardian

These players are carrying a weight on their shoulders.

The New York Times - Sports

Somehow, there is a weight on the shoulders.

The Guardian - Sport

Place a weight on top and leave for three days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put on a plate and set a weight on top.

The New York Times - Magazine

You come in here and you're a weight on me.

The New York Times

"It makes the country vulnerable to higher interest rates and puts a weight on future generations.

The New York Times

3 Place a small plate on top and then a weight on top of that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the silence was a weight on all of them and he said nothing.

The New Yorker

Set a weight on the fish and refrigerate for 24 hours.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a weight on" to convey a sense of burden, pressure, or emotional strain. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the weight and its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a weight on" in purely literal contexts where a physical weight is intended. Instead, reserve it for situations involving emotional, psychological, or metaphorical burdens.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weight on" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that is causing a burden, pressure, or emotional strain. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's observation that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weight on" is a versatile phrase used to describe a feeling of burden or pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "a weight on", consider its metaphorical implications and choose it when you want to emphasize the emotional or psychological impact of something. Be mindful of the distinction between literal and figurative usages to avoid misinterpretation. If a more formal tone is required, alternatives like "a burden upon" or "an encumbrance to" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burden upon

Emphasizes the sense of being a heavy load or obligation.

a strain on

Highlights the aspect of pressure or tension caused by something.

a pressure on

Focuses on the feeling of being compelled or forced by something.

an encumbrance to

Suggests something that hinders or impedes progress.

a liability for

Implies a responsibility or disadvantageous obligation.

a handicap to

Indicates a disadvantage or obstacle that makes achievement more difficult.

an imposition on

Highlights the act of placing something burdensome onto someone or something.

an onus on

Stresses the responsibility or duty placed on someone.

a damper on

Focuses on the inhibiting or discouraging effect of something.

a drag on

Implies something that slows down or hinders progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a weight on" in a sentence?

You can use "a weight on" to describe something that feels like a burden or causes stress, such as "The responsibility of caring for her parents felt like "a weight on" her shoulders."

What's a more formal alternative to "a weight on"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "a burden upon", "a strain on", or "an encumbrance to" as alternatives to "a weight on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a weight on my heart"?

Yes, "a weight on my heart" is a common and accepted expression to describe a feeling of sadness, guilt, or worry. For instance, you can say "The secret I was keeping felt like "a weight on" my heart".

What's the difference between "a weight on my shoulders" and "burdened by"?

"A weight on my shoulders" describes the feeling of carrying a heavy responsibility or stress. "Burdened by" implies being oppressed or troubled by something. They are similar, but "burdened by" might suggest a more profound or oppressive impact than "a weight on".