carries substantial weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carries substantial weight" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It means that something is important or has significant influence. It can be used in various contexts to describe the significance or impact of a particular action, decision, or statement. Example: The expert's testimony carries substantial weight in the court's decision, as their extensive research and experience hold credibility. In this example, the phrase is used to emphasize the importance and influence of the expert's testimony in the court's decision-making process.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such "guidance," often transmitted through state and local health departments, carries substantial weight in local decision-making.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The policy specified that attendance and a teacher's assessment of classroom performance should also carry substantial weight.

The New York Times

Oxbridge isn't entirely blameless – class and connections still carry substantial weight – but if ethnic minority communities are to send more of their students to the best institutions, they must educate themselves first.

The Guardian - Opinion

U.S. officials are not obligated to follow NSABB's advice, but it is expected to carry substantial weight.

Science Magazine

Although longitudinal outcomes can carry substantial weight in decisions of cost-effectiveness, randomised controlled trials are often limited in their ability to measure outcomes over a longer time frame due to feasibility and funding restraints [1].

Health Economics Review

Rep. Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis)., the House Budget Committee chairman whose views on federal spending carry substantial weight with fellow Republicans, has called for a more modest "down payment".

Los Angeles Times

Moreover, consistent with that previous research, we found that perceived efficacy carried substantial weight among EMS providers: those fitting a "low threat/high efficacy" profile were still more than three times as likely (OR = 3.7) to be willing to respond, after adjusting for other covariates.

Plosone

Warfare on this scale carries substantial risks.

The New York Times

But going negative so early also carries substantial risks.

The New York Times

But the deal still carries substantial risk for taxpayers.

The New York Times

At such a delicate phase in the development of young players, tasting these experiences, pitting wits against different styles of football, becoming immersed in a more intense level of competition, carries a substantial weight.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carries substantial weight", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being weighed or considered. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "carries substantial weight" when the subject's importance is minor or trivial. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carries substantial weight" functions as a verbal phrase that describes something as having significant importance or influence. It is used to emphasize the impact or relevance of a particular factor, idea, or piece of evidence. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62.5%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carries substantial weight" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote something of significant importance or influence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and business sources underscores its versatility and widespread understanding. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context is clear and that the described subject indeed merits the level of importance being attributed. Remember to consider more casual alternatives like "is very important" or "matters a great deal" in less formal settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holds significant sway

Replaces "carries weight" with "holds sway", emphasizing influence and power.

has considerable influence

Substitutes "carries weight" with "has influence", highlighting the impact something has.

bears significant importance

Replaces "carries weight" with "bears importance", focusing on the significance of something.

is highly influential

Transforms the phrase into an adjectival form, emphasizing the influential nature of something.

is of great consequence

Shifts the focus to the resulting consequence of something, rather than its direct weight.

matters a great deal

Simplifies the expression to highlight the high degree of importance.

is very important

Offers a direct and simple alternative emphasizing importance.

exerts considerable pressure

Focuses on the pressure or force exerted rather than general influence.

is a major factor

Highlights the role of something as a key element or consideration.

is paramount

Emphasizes the supreme importance or dominance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "carries substantial weight" to indicate that something is important or has significant influence. For example, "The evidence presented by the defense "carries substantial weight" in the jury's decision."

What are some alternatives to "carries substantial weight"?

Alternatives include "has considerable influence", "holds significant sway", or "is of great consequence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "carries substantial weight" and "carries some weight"?

"Carries substantial weight" implies a significant level of importance or influence, while "carries some weight" suggests a moderate or lesser degree of importance.

Is it appropriate to use "carries substantial weight" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "carries substantial weight" is generally more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler alternatives like "is very important" or "matters a lot" might be more appropriate.