carry substantial weight

USAGE SUMMARY

"carry substantial weight" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to have a significant impact or influence on a decision or situation. Examples: - The expert's testimony carries substantial weight in the trial, as he is highly respected in the medical field. - The recommendations of the committee hold substantial weight in the company's decision-making process. - The opinions of the voters in this district carry substantial weight in the outcome of the election. - As a famous celebrity, her words carry substantial weight and can influence public opinion. - The evidence presented by the prosecution carries substantial weight in proving the defendant's guilt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

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

BMC Public Health

But their opinions carry significant weight.

TechCrunch

It emphasized that such purchases could carry "substantial risks".

The New York Times

Prepaid credit cards offered through retailers often carry substantial fees.

WikiHow

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 "carry substantial weight", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being influenced and why it is significant. This will strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "carry substantial weight" when the subject has little to no actual impact on the outcome. Overstating influence can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry substantial weight" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject possesses significant influence or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to show something having a notable impact on a decision or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carry substantial weight" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys significant influence or importance. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While alternatives like "have significant influence" or "hold considerable sway" exist, "carry substantial weight" provides a direct and impactful way to highlight the importance of something. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly supports the attributed influence to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have significant influence

Replaces "weight" with "influence", emphasizing the impact on decisions or outcomes.

hold considerable sway

Uses "sway" to indicate a power to influence or direct something, implying persuasion.

exert considerable influence

Focuses on the act of applying influence, suggesting a more active role.

bear significant importance

Shifts the focus to the inherent importance of something, rather than its influence on a decision.

carry considerable importance

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

have a major impact

Emphasizes the effect or consequence of something, highlighting its power to produce change.

possess significant authority

Highlights the level of recognized expertise that something or someone has.

wield considerable power

Indicates a capability to exert a strong influence, often in a more direct or forceful manner.

hold significant value

Focuses on the worth or merit attributed to something, rather than its direct influence.

command significant attention

Highlights the degree to which something is noticed or considered, suggesting a strong prominence.

FAQs

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

Use "carry substantial weight" to indicate that something has a significant influence or impact on a decision, situation, or outcome. For example, "The expert's opinion "carries substantial weight" in the investigation".

What are some alternatives to saying "carry substantial weight"?

Alternatives to "carry substantial weight" include "have significant influence", "hold considerable sway", or "exert considerable influence", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "carry substantial weight" or "have a lot of weight"?

"Carry substantial weight" is generally more formal and emphasizes the degree of influence something has. "Have a lot of weight" is more informal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Can you provide an example of when something should not be described as "carrying substantial weight"?

Avoid using "carry substantial weight" when describing something trivial or insignificant. For instance, describing a minor suggestion as carrying substantial weight would be an overstatement.