carries weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carries weight" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have importance, influence, or significance. Example: His opinion on the matter carries weight because he is an expert in the field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Babacan carries weight with Mr Erdogan.

The Economist

What the growers say carries weight.

The New York Times

It carries weight with policymakers and funders.

Nature

It's a consensus view, and it carries weight.

The Guardian - Tech

He told Variety: "It carries weight with an audience.

The Guardian - Film

McConaughey's performance apparently carries weight, even though he doesn't.

The Guardian - Film

An implicit threat to run as an independent carries weight.

The Economist

Stuart's support for a fighting ban carries weight.

The New York Times - Sports

In an interview, Mr. Faisal said that although the site is privately administered, it carries weight.

The New York Times

The perception carries weight because in the eyes of many, it contains some truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not only at Melwood where Gerrard's captaincy carries weight.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carries weight", ensure the subject is clearly defined to whom or what it carries weight with to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'His endorsement carries weight with the voters.'

Common error

Avoid using "carries weight" in overly casual or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like 'matters' or 'is important' to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carries weight" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject possesses influence, significance, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Science & Research

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carries weight" is a versatile and widely used idiom that signifies influence, importance, or significance. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently found in news, business, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the subject and the recipient of the weight are well-defined. While generally appropriate for neutral and professional settings, it might be wise to opt for simpler terms in informal communication. Alternatives such as "has influence" or "is significant" can be used depending on the desired nuance. With its proven prevalence and clear meaning, "carries weight" remains a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has influence

Replaces the idiom with a more direct expression of having an effect.

holds sway

Emphasizes the power to influence or control something.

is significant

Focuses on the importance or consequence of something.

matters greatly

Highlights the high degree of importance.

is influential

Directly states the capacity to affect events or people.

has importance

A more straightforward way to express significance.

bears significance

Uses a slightly more formal tone to convey importance.

is of consequence

Highlights that something has important results or effects.

counts for something

Indicates that something has value or importance.

makes a difference

Focuses on the impact or effect that something has.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "carries weight"?

When something "carries weight", it means it has influence, importance, or significance. It suggests that the subject is taken seriously or has a notable impact.

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

You can use "carries weight" to indicate that someone's opinion or something's relevance is significant. For instance, "The expert's analysis "carries weight" in the discussion."

What are some alternatives to saying "carries weight"?

Alternatives to "carries weight" include phrases like "has influence", "is significant", or "holds sway", depending on the context.

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

"Carries weight" is generally preferred because it implies an active influence or importance. "Has weight" is grammatically correct, but less idiomatic. "Carries weight" suggests that something's importance is actively recognized or felt.