gained a lot of weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained a lot of weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes in body weight, often in the context of health, fitness, or personal experiences. Example: "After the holidays, I realized I had gained a lot of weight and needed to make some lifestyle changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They tried a D. & C., then increased my progestin, but I gained a lot of weight.

The New York Times - Health

The President appeared with his wife, who had gained a lot of weight.

The New Yorker

When I had my kid, I gained a lot of weight – 60 pounds.

The Guardian - Film

"I had a lot of fun, gained a lot of weight," he said.

The New York Times

He'd gained a lot of weight, and wrinkles fanned out at the corners of his eyes.

The New York Times

He's like a fighter who's gained a lot of weight and needs to go through training again".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Who wants to gain a lot of weight?

The New Yorker

I smiled and replied, "I didn't gain a lot of weight before he was born".

The New York Times

(You could gain a lot of weight in first class, which might explain the bigger seats).

The New York Times - Travel

"But bad in that they are gaining a lot of weight".

The Economist

Some people gain a lot of weight in their breasts, which I do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing weight gain, consider the sensitivity of the topic. Frame your language in a way that is respectful and avoids judgment.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using the phrase "gained a lot of weight". Avoid using it in a way that could be perceived as critical or shaming, especially when referring to someone else's appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained a lot of weight" functions as a verb phrase, where "gained" is the main verb indicating the action of increasing in weight, and "a lot of weight" specifies the extent of the gain. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gained a lot of weight" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant increase in body mass. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media, to discuss personal changes, health issues, or the consequences of certain situations. While straightforward, it's essential to use this phrase with sensitivity, being mindful of potential implications and ensuring respectful communication. Alternatives like "put on weight" or "increased in size" can offer a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on considerable weight

Focuses on the action of adding weight, emphasizing the amount.

increased significantly in weight

Highlights the magnitude of the weight increase.

added a lot of pounds

Uses a specific unit of weight to quantify the gain.

packed on the pounds

An informal way of saying someone gained weight, often quickly.

expanded in size

Describes the overall increase in body dimensions.

became much heavier

Directly states the increase in weight.

filled out considerably

Suggests a more rounded or fuller figure.

developed a fuller figure

Focuses on the change in body shape due to weight gain.

grew larger

A general term indicating an increase in size.

put on some bulk

Implies an increase in muscle mass, though it can also refer to fat.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gained a lot of weight" in a more neutral way?

You can use phrases like "put on weight", "increased in size", or "became heavier" to be more neutral, depending on the context.

What are some common reasons people might "gain a lot of weight"?

Weight gain can be due to various factors including dietary changes, lack of exercise, medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle changes.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gained a lot of weight"?

Yes, "gained a lot of weight" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a standard phrase for describing an increase in body mass.

What's the difference between "gained weight" and "gained a lot of weight"?

"Gained weight" is a general statement indicating an increase in body mass. "Gained a lot of weight" implies a significant or noticeable increase.