gain weight

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain weight" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of becoming heavier due to an increase in body mass. For example, "I'm trying to gain weight so that I can compete in the heavyweight class for powerlifting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did you gain weight?

The New York Times

He cannot gain weight.

The New York Times - Sports

You can't gain weight.

The New York Times - Magazine

We lose or gain weight.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't want to gain weight".

The New York Times

They gain weight and experience health problems.

The New York Times

Why did Jessica Simpson gain weight?

The New York Times

Because I gain weight very easily".

The Guardian - Film

Housebound, she began to gain weight.

The Washington Post

"They have the paradoxical effect of making people gain weight".

The New York Times - Magazine

The children who drank diet drinks did not gain weight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or lifestyle changes, use "gain weight" in conjunction with specific details about diet, exercise, or underlying medical conditions to provide a more complete picture.

Common error

Instead of simply stating someone needs to "gain weight", specify whether the goal is to increase muscle mass, improve overall health, or address a specific medical condition. Provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain weight" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of increasing body mass. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its application in describing personal experiences, health goals, and the effects of certain conditions or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain weight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of increasing body mass. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from describing personal health goals to discussing the effects of dietary habits. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and business publications. While there aren't really incorrect scenarios for its usage, being mindful of the audience will help maximize clarity and specificity. For instance, in scientific or formal contexts, alternatives such as "increase body mass" might be more appropriate. In everyday conversation, phrases like "put on pounds" can be used. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "gain weight" in your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on pounds

A more informal way of saying "gain weight", often used in everyday conversation.

add weight

A straightforward alternative that emphasizes the addition of weight to the body.

pack on weight

Implies gaining weight quickly or excessively.

increase body mass

Focuses on the physiological change of increasing the amount of tissue in the body.

become heavier

Describes the change in weight from a comparative perspective.

bulk up

Implies gaining weight primarily through muscle mass, often associated with fitness and bodybuilding.

flesh out

Suggests adding weight to become fuller or more rounded in appearance, particularly when someone is thin.

fatten up

Suggests gaining weight intentionally, often for a specific purpose like preparing an animal for slaughter.

develop stoutness

Emphasizes the process of gaining weight towards a more robust or heavy build.

grow plump

Describes gaining weight in a way that suggests becoming pleasantly rounded.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain weight" in various contexts. For example, "He's trying to "gain weight" to improve his strength", or "She needs to "gain weight" after her illness".

What are some alternatives to saying "gain weight"?

Alternatives include "increase body mass", "put on pounds", or "bulk up" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Which is correct, "gain weight" or "gain a weight"?

"Gain weight" is the correct and more common usage. "Gain a weight" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "gain weight" and "increase weight"?

While similar, "gain weight" generally refers to a natural process of adding body mass, while "increase weight" can refer to both natural processes or artificial means such as adding weights to a barbell.