bear a weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear a weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to support or endure a physical or metaphorical burden. Example: "The bridge was designed to bear a weight of up to 10 tons without compromising its structural integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The stretchers can bear a weight of up to 47st (298kg).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And "by Florida law, in any violent confrontation ending in a disputed act of lethal self-defense, without eye-witnesses, the advantage goes to the living". Zimmerman's trial bore a weight it could never carry.

The Washington Post

They bear a huge weight.

The New York Times - Arts

They bear a spiritual weight.

Independent

Mr. Schwab's pronouncements bear a special weight in the learning-disabled community, because he is its largest benefactor.

The New York Times

And they adduce an amount of evidence to prove that air, when cut off and at rest, can bear a considerable weight.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Speaking at a press conference before the premiere, Cumberbatch said: "Getting an idea of his story out there does bear a certain weight of responsibility.

The Guardian - Film

The two men bear a quiet weight of world-historical conflict, and they don't have much to say to each other.

The New Yorker

The increasing variance is so persevering that almost all samples bear a negligible weight after a few recursions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As in most crises, children are having to bear an enormous weight.

Unicef

The right to "decide" something related to life and death bears a tremendous weight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear a weight", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical load or a metaphorical burden, like responsibility or stress.

Common error

Avoid using "bear a weight" in ambiguous situations where it's unclear whether you're discussing a literal physical load or a figurative burden. Clarify the context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a weight" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the ability to support a physical load or to endure a burden, whether literal or figurative. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear a weight" is a versatile expression used to describe the ability to support a physical load or endure a figurative burden. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While synonyms like "carry a weight" or "support a load" exist, the specific choice depends on the intended nuance—whether emphasizing endurance, active transport, or structural support. When using the phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity between literal and metaphorical interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withstand a weight

Emphasizes the ability to resist or hold up against a physical or metaphorical weight.

carry a weight

Focuses on the act of transporting or supporting a burden.

support a weight

Highlights the structural aspect of holding something up.

shoulder a burden

Implies taking on a responsibility or difficulty.

handle a load

Suggests managing or dealing with something challenging.

endure the pressure

Highlights the capacity to withstand stress or strain.

sustain the burden

Focuses on maintaining or upholding a heavy load or responsibility over time.

tolerate the stress

Emphasizes the ability to put up with strain or tension.

undergo the duress

Focuses on suffering hardship or constraint.

absorb the impact

Suggests mitigating or lessening the effects of a force or shock.

FAQs

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

You can use "bear a weight" to describe something that supports a physical load, like "The bridge is designed to bear a weight of several tons", or to describe enduring a burden, such as "She had to bear the weight of her family's expectations".

What is a synonym for "bear a weight"?

Synonyms for "bear a weight" include "carry a weight", "support a load", or "withstand pressure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "bear a weight" or "carry a weight"?

Both "bear a weight" and "carry a weight" are correct and often interchangeable. "Bear a weight" might suggest a more static or enduring support, while "carry a weight" implies movement or active transport.

Can "bear a weight" be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "bear a weight" is commonly used metaphorically to describe enduring emotional or psychological burdens, responsibilities, or pressures. For example, "He had to bear the weight of the company's failure".