be weighed down by

USAGE SUMMARY

"be weighed down by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to feel burdened or overwhelmed by something. Example: She was weighed down by the stress of her job and desperately needed a vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't be weighed down by your jam rags".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They do not seem to be weighed down by history.

The New York Times - Sports

Morgan Stanley's earnings will be weighed down by both.

The New York Times

They will always be weighed down by the past.

The New York Times

The auction process shouldn't be weighed down by such conditions.

The New York Times

The pacing seemed to be weighed down by the melancholy of Bill Paterson's central performance.

The Guardian - Film

But the economy will still be weighed down by troubled credit markets and huge household debts.

The New York Times

But whether Lionel Messi and co will be weighed down by history appears unlikely.

The Guardian - Sport

And yet it continues to be weighed down by bureaucracy and political corruption.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The emirate continues to be weighed down by the excesses of earlier years".

The Guardian - Business

The Islanders continue to be weighed down by misguided draft picks and bloated contracts.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be weighed down by", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the burden or hindrance. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "be weighed down by" is a passive construction, avoid overuse of passive voice in your writing. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to create a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be weighed down by" functions as a passive verb phrase, often describing a state of being burdened or encumbered. Ludwig examples show it describing economic conditions, personal feelings, or organizational challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be weighed down by" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of being burdened or hindered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, primarily in news and media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the cause of the burden to enhance the impact of your writing. Alternatives such as "be burdened by" or "be hampered by" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Be mindful of overusing passive voice; consider active alternatives where suitable for a more engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be burdened by

Direct synonym, emphasizing the feeling of carrying a heavy load.

be hampered by

Focuses on the restriction of movement or progress caused by something.

be hindered by

Similar to 'hampered', highlighting the obstruction of progress.

be oppressed by

Implies a sense of being suppressed or dominated by something.

be encumbered by

Suggests being slowed down or made difficult by something cumbersome.

be bogged down by

Implies being stuck or unable to move forward due to something.

be overwhelmed by

Highlights the feeling of being unable to cope with something due to its intensity or magnitude.

labor under

A more formal way of expressing being burdened, often with a negative connotation.

be afflicted by

Highlights the suffering or distress caused by something.

succumb to

Implies giving in to a negative force or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "be weighed down by" in a sentence?

You can use "be weighed down by" to describe a feeling of being burdened or hindered by something. For example, "The project was "be weighed down by" bureaucratic delays".

What can I say instead of "be weighed down by"?

Alternatives include "be burdened by", "be hampered by", or "be hindered by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be weighed down by" or "be burdened by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "Be weighed down by" suggests a heavy, oppressive force, while "be burdened by" simply implies carrying a heavy load.

What's the difference between "be weighed down by" and "overwhelmed by"?

"Be weighed down by" implies a persistent burden or hindrance, while "overwhelmed by" suggests a feeling of being overcome or unable to cope with something due to its intensity or magnitude.