carry no weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carry no weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not significant, influential, or does not have any impact. Example: "His arguments carry no weight in this discussion, as they lack supporting evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But such threats may carry no weight.

The Washington Post

Such organisations however, represent nobody but themselves and carry no weight in local communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the Supreme Court is currently constituted, Sotomayor's words, however eloquent, carry no weight.

The New Yorker

When children express a paternal preference, their wishes carry no weight.

Children and Youth Services Review

All the conventions of the pop world are only temporary and carry no weight.

The New York Times - Magazine

Complaints or claims of tiredness, as in football, carry no weight with fans, who demand total commitment from their champions.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It carries no weight.

The Guardian

The reversal carried no weight.

The New Yorker

But that carries no weight with you.

The Guardian - Books

As far as figures are concerned, that carries no weight at all.

Yale University

His relationship with Bush, however, carried no weight when they were in Israel.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carry no weight" to emphasize that certain information, opinions, or actions have little to no impact on a situation or decision. It effectively conveys a lack of influence.

Common error

Avoid using "carry no weight" when the subject actually has a minor influence, even if it's not decisive. The phrase implies a complete absence of impact, so ensure the context accurately reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry no weight" functions as a predicate modifying a subject, indicating that the subject lacks influence or significance. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase emphasizes the absence of impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "carry no weight" is a useful idiom to express a lack of influence, importance, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Alternatives include "have no influence" and "be irrelevant". When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly has no impact, as it conveys a complete absence of influence. "Carry no weight" effectively dismisses or downplays something, making it a valuable tool for clear and direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no influence

Replaces "carry" with "have" and "weight" with "influence", focusing on the lack of impact.

not matter

A concise way to express that something has no effect or importance.

be irrelevant

A simpler, more direct way of saying that something is not important or applicable.

lack importance

Directly states that something does not possess significance.

be insignificant

Highlights the minimal value or impact of something.

be of no consequence

Uses a more formal tone to convey that something is unimportant.

have no effect

Focuses on the absence of any tangible outcome or impact.

have no bearing

Indicates that something is not relevant or related to the situation.

be without merit

Suggests that something lacks value or worth.

hold no sway

Emphasizes the absence of power or influence over a situation or person.

FAQs

How can I use "carry no weight" in a sentence?

You can use "carry no weight" to indicate that something has no influence or importance in a particular situation. For example, "His arguments "carry no weight" because they are not supported by evidence."

What are some alternatives to "carry no weight"?

Alternatives to "carry no weight" include phrases like "have no influence", "be irrelevant", or "lack importance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "carries no weight"?

Yes, "carries no weight" is grammatically correct when the subject is singular. For example, "His opinion "carries no weight" with the board."

What is the difference between "carry no weight" and "have little weight"?

"Carry no weight" means something has absolutely no influence or importance. "Have little weight" suggests it has some influence, but it is minimal. The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to convey.