carries less weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carries less weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is considered to be less important or influential than something else. Example: "In this debate, personal opinions often carry less weight than factual evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Zumaya now carries less weight, even more tattoos and again throws in the high 90s.

The New York Times - Sports

The age of the JPEG has created a world in which the single image carries less weight than ever before.

The New York Times

His attack carries less weight now that the truly chilling activities of tabloid hackers have been laid before the public.

The Economist

The word of a woman usually carries less weight than that of a man when accusations of sexual or domestic violence are evaluated, according to an Amnesty report.

The Guardian

Mr. Lavrov said Russia would support a presidential statement, which carries less weight than a resolution, if it did not deliver an ultimatum to Mr. Assad.

The New York Times

If there's any piece of film-poster blurb that carries less weight than a rave review from a tweeter, it's the declaration, "From the studio that brought you... .....

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Political considerations carry less weight.

The New York Times

Other evidence carried less weight.

The New York Times

Carrying less weight usually means feeling less pain".

The New York Times

In contrast to the local channels, the verdict carried less weight on the network news broadcasts.

The New York Times

They carry less weight than the paper they were written on".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carries less weight", ensure the context clearly establishes what it is being compared to. This provides clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "carries less weight" without defining the scope of its influence. Without context, the statement becomes vague and loses its intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carries less weight" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject possesses a reduced level of importance or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application in contexts where the significance or impact of something is being evaluated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carries less weight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate diminished importance or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business settings, it provides a valuable means to de-emphasize certain factors, making it clear that other elements hold greater significance. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis of comparison. Alternatives such as "holds diminished importance" or "has reduced influence" offer similar meanings but may suit different stylistic preferences. Be mindful of context to ensure correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less significant

Simple and direct way of stating that something has reduced importance.

is not as influential

Directly states that something has a lower level of influence compared to something else.

has reduced influence

Highlights the decreased impact or sway of something.

bears reduced significance

Similar to 'holds diminished importance' but uses 'bears' for a slightly more formal tone.

has a weaker effect

Focuses on the reduced power or impact something has on a situation.

holds diminished importance

Focuses on the reduced significance of something.

possesses limited impact

Stresses the restricted effect or influence something has.

is of lesser consequence

Emphasizes the reduced relevance or importance of something.

carries diminished clout

Emphasizes the reduced power or influence, often in a political or social context.

lacks the former authority

Suggests a decline in the level of authority or power something once had.

FAQs

How can I use "carries less weight" in a sentence?

You can use "carries less weight" to indicate that something is considered less important or influential. For example, "In this debate, personal opinions often "carry less weight" than factual evidence."

What are some alternatives to "carries less weight"?

Alternatives include "holds diminished importance", "has reduced influence", or "is less significant" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "carries less weight" or "has less influence"?

Both "carries less weight" and "has less influence" are correct, but the best choice depends on the specific context. "Carries less weight" often implies a formal assessment of importance, while "has less influence" /s/has+less+influence directly addresses the power to affect outcomes.

Can "carries less weight" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "carries less weight" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news articles, academic papers, or business reports where a level of objectivity is needed. A more informal alternative could be something like "doesn't matter as much".