can be heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant weight or emotional impact, depending on the context. Example: "The topic of climate change can be heavy for many people, as it involves complex issues and dire consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can be heavy, too.

The Economist

The price can be heavy.

The New York Times

Mr. Durham's hand can be heavy, too.

The New York Times - Books

Her delivery can be heavy in dramatic flair.

The New York Times

Winter food can be heavy, but citrus brings welcome freshness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rieff's prose can be heavy going at times.

The New York Times - Books

Petrol mowers are the most powerful but can be heavy.

The Guardian - Money

It can be heavy pounding being innocent these days.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the downside, they can be heavy and hot to wear.

The New York Times

Penalties for journalists and publishers who fall foul of Macedonia's punitive defamation laws can be heavy.

The Guardian

Traffic can be heavy around the building, because it is near the Midtown Tunnel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be heavy" to describe an abstract concept, ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what type of weight (emotional, financial, etc.) you are referring to. Using specific examples or elaborating on the impact can help avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be heavy" repeatedly in close proximity without varying the context or providing specific details. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, use synonyms or provide clarifying details to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be heavy" functions as a predicate in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently used to describe a quality or characteristic of something, indicating that it possesses a significant amount of weight, whether physical or metaphorical. It can also describe something that is emotionally burdensome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

30%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be heavy" is a versatile expression that Ludwig AI confirms is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a predicate, serving to describe something that possesses a significant weight, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. While the phrase is generally clear, it's important to provide context when using it to describe abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "may weigh a lot" or "might be burdensome" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may carry significant weight

Emphasizes the importance or impact, rather than physical heaviness.

may weigh a lot

Focuses specifically on physical weight; less versatile than "can be heavy".

might be burdensome

Emphasizes the sense of being a burden or causing difficulty, differing from the literal weight meaning.

could be weighty

Highlights the importance or significance, rather than physical heaviness.

may prove challenging

Focuses on the difficulty or demanding nature of something.

might be difficult

Implies a general sense of challenge or complexity.

might impose a strain

Highlights the difficulty or demanding nature of something.

could be substantial

Indicates a significant amount or degree, rather than physical weight.

might feel oppressive

Conveys a sense of emotional or psychological weight.

may exert considerable pressure

Suggests forcefulness or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be heavy" to describe something that has significant weight, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. For example, "The box can be heavy" or "The responsibility can be heavy".

What's a good alternative to "can be heavy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "may weigh a lot", "might be burdensome", or "could be weighty".

When is it appropriate to use "can be heavy"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something possesses significant weight, either literally or figuratively, such as a physical object, a responsibility, or an emotional burden.

What does it mean when something "can be heavy"?

It means that the item or situation in question possesses a considerable amount of weight, either literally, making it difficult to lift or move, or figuratively, implying a significant burden or impact.