carry weight

USAGE SUMMARY

'carry weight' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the importance or influence that something/someone has. For example, "His opinion carries a lot of weight in this decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It will carry weight.

The New York Times

These justifications carry weight.

The Guardian - Opinion

His word should carry weight.

The Economist

But politically such arguments carry weight.

The Economist

Character references do not carry weight.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They want its recommendation to carry weight.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carry weight", consider the context and audience. In formal writing, it effectively conveys that an idea, argument, or opinion is influential and should be taken seriously. In informal contexts, it maintains its meaning but may be substituted with simpler alternatives like "matter" or "be important".

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "carries weight" in one situation, it will automatically do so in another. Influence is often context-dependent. For instance, an expert's opinion might "carry weight" in a scientific discussion but not necessarily in a political debate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "carry weight" is as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the extent to which an idea, opinion, or argument is influential or important. As Ludwig AI explains, this relates to the degree of impact or authority something has in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carry weight" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase that indicates influence or importance. According to Ludwig AI, it is applicable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. The phrase conveys that an idea, argument, or person has a significant impact and should be taken seriously. While synonyms like "have influence" and "hold sway" exist, "carry weight" is a versatile and frequently encountered choice for expressing authority or impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have influence

Focuses more directly on the aspect of having power to affect decisions or outcomes.

hold sway

Implies a dominant influence or control over someone or something.

be significant

Highlights the importance or consequence of something.

matter greatly

Emphasizes the degree of importance or consequence.

have importance

Directly states that something is important or of value.

bear significance

Similar to 'be significant' but may imply a more formal or weighty importance.

exert influence

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

possess authority

Indicates having the right or power to influence others.

count for something

Suggests having a noticeable effect or value.

cut any ice

Implies having a positive effect or making a favorable impression, often in persuasive contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "carry weight" to indicate that something or someone has influence or importance. For example, "His recommendations "carry weight" with the board of directors."

What does it mean when something "carries weight"?

When something "carries weight", it means that it has influence, importance, or significance. It suggests that the subject in question is taken seriously and has an impact on decisions or outcomes.

What can I say instead of "carry weight"?

You can use alternatives like "have influence", "hold sway", or "be significant" depending on the context.

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

"Carry weight" is generally preferred over "has weight" when you want to emphasize the active influence or impact of something. "Has weight" is less idiomatic and can sound awkward in many contexts.