gained weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained weight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of someone or something increasing in physical mass or size. For example, "Over the past year, I gained weight due to my poor diet and lack of exercise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He gained weight.

The New York Times

She had gained weight.

The New Yorker

I've gained weight.

The New York Times

We all gained weight.

The New York Times

He'd gained weight.

The New Yorker

I gained weight overnight.

The Guardian

Those who didn't gained weight.

The New York Times - Magazine

They gained weight, and had fewer infections.

The New Yorker

He gained weight and watched film.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Did you gain weight?

The New York Times

I was gaining weight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weight gain, consider the specific context and connotations you want to convey. Opt for "gained weight" for neutral or general situations, or choose more descriptive alternatives like "filled out" or "bulked up" to add nuance.

Common error

Avoid excessively vague or indirect language when discussing weight gain, as this can obscure the message. While being sensitive is important, clarity ensures effective communication. For example, instead of just saying someone is 'looking healthier,' you could say they "gained weight" and appear to be doing better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained weight" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action or process of increasing in body mass. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples in Ludwig show diverse subjects experiencing this, from individuals to animals, in varying contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gained weight" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes an increase in body mass. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in various contexts, most notably in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While a neutral term, it's important to consider the context and audience when discussing weight gain to avoid potential insensitivity. Alternatives like "put on weight" or "increased in mass" can offer different nuances in formality. When using the phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the message is effectively communicated without relying on vague euphemisms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on weight

A more common and less formal way to say someone has gained weight.

got heavier

A straightforward and simple way to describe weight gain.

added pounds

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of weight gain, often used in a slightly negative context.

packed on pounds

Similar to 'added pounds' but can imply a rapid or intentional gain.

increased in mass

More formal and scientific, suitable for describing changes in physical properties.

expanded in size

Focuses on the increase in physical dimensions rather than just weight.

bulk up

Specifically implies gaining muscle mass, often through exercise and diet.

grew larger

Indicates an overall increase in size, which can include weight.

filled out

Suggests a more gradual and subtle increase in size, often seen as a positive change.

become plumper

Suggests a rounder, softer appearance due to weight gain.

FAQs

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

You can use "gained weight" to describe an increase in body mass. For example, "After the holidays, many people find they have "gained weight"." or "The patient "gained weight" after starting the new medication".

What is a more formal way to say "gained weight"?

A more formal alternative to "gained weight" is "increased in mass". This is more appropriate for scientific or technical contexts.

What are some less formal ways to say "gained weight"?

Less formal alternatives include "put on weight" or "got heavier". These are suitable for casual conversation.

Is it insensitive to say someone "gained weight"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. It's generally best to avoid commenting on someone's weight unless it's relevant and you're confident it won't cause offense. Instead, you could focus on their overall well-being or health.