be weighed against

USAGE SUMMARY

"be weighed against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that two or more factors or choices will be compared and evaluated in order to determine which is the most advantageous. Example: "The pros and cons of both options must be weighed against each other before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And benefits should be weighed against lost opportunities.

The New York Times

The latest developments should be weighed against that backdrop.

The New York Times

Another is that risks have to be weighed against benefits.

The New York Times - Health

This should be weighed against the benefits of shareholder activism.

The New York Times

Those fees should be weighed against the tax savings.

The New York Times

Costs must be weighed against patient outcomes, however.

The New York Times

The social and personal benefits of sharing must be weighed against the risks.

Princeton University

However, the gain from overlapping must be weighed against the additional resource and time for rework.

European Journal of Operational Research

Prophylactic antibiotics may reduce the risk, but must be weighed against the risks of antibiotic resistance.

Journal of Pediatric Urology

The advantages of LOD data mining will be weighed against classical data mining techniques.

Ecological Modelling

The productivity and profit margin increases must be weighed against a customer's perception of lower quality.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be weighed against" when comparing abstract concepts or intangible qualities, rather than solely for numerical comparisons.

Common error

Avoid presenting only one side of the comparison when using "be weighed against". Providing a balanced view enhances credibility and demonstrates thorough consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be weighed against" functions as a comparative expression. It's used to contrast and evaluate different elements or factors in order to make a reasoned judgment or decision. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its prevalent use in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its role in analytical discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be weighed against" is a common and versatile expression used to compare and evaluate different factors or options. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a range of contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the elements being compared to ensure clarity and strengthen your argument. While widely applicable, it's important to consider alternatives like "be balanced against" or "be considered against" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and common pitfalls, you can effectively utilize "be weighed against" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be balanced against

Focuses on achieving equilibrium or parity between two or more elements.

be considered against

Implies a more general evaluation or deliberation of different aspects.

be evaluated against

Suggests a formal assessment based on specific criteria.

be measured against

Emphasizes a quantifiable comparison using specific metrics.

be compared with

Highlights the act of finding similarities and differences between two things.

be judged in light of

Indicates that something is being assessed considering certain circumstances or factors.

be assessed in relation to

Focuses on understanding something's value or importance based on its connection to something else.

be contrasted with

Highlights the differences between two or more things.

be juxtaposed with

Suggests placing two things side by side to highlight their differences or similarities.

be pitted against

Implies a direct competition or conflict between two opposing forces or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "be weighed against" in a sentence?

Use "be weighed against" to indicate that two or more factors, options, or considerations are being compared and evaluated. For example, "The benefits of the new policy must "be weighed against" its potential drawbacks".

What are some alternatives to "be weighed against"?

Alternatives include "be balanced against", "be considered against", or "be evaluated against". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "weigh against" or "be weighed against"?

"Weigh against" is an active construction, while "be weighed against" is passive. The passive form is often preferred when the actor doing the weighing is unimportant or implied. For example, "The cost must "be weighed against" the benefits".

What's the difference between "be weighed against" and "be balanced against"?

"Be weighed against" implies a careful consideration of pros and cons, while "be balanced against" suggests an effort to achieve equilibrium or fairness. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase. While both phrases mean considering different options, the emphasis shifts between comparison versus equilibrium.