gaining weight

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining weight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to describe the act of increasing one's body mass or becoming heavier. Example: "It's important for athletes to maintain a healthy diet to avoid gaining weight during the off-season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was gaining weight.

The New York Times - Arts

I was gaining weight.

The New York Times

"You're gaining weight!" he shouted.

The New York Times

They also had stopped gaining weight.

The New York Times

"The patient was alive and gaining weight.

The New York Times

Two factors keep us from gaining weight.

The New York Times - Health

I think I'm gaining weight again.

The New Yorker

In some people, gaining weight does it.

The New York Times - Science

He struggled with his results, gaining weight and becoming depressed.

The New York Times - Sports

She was depressed, gaining weight, feeling old and fatigued.

The New York Times

He had set his mind to gaining weight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "weight gain" instead of colloquial expressions like "fattening up".

Common error

Avoid attributing weight gain solely to one factor (e.g., "gaining weight because of stress"). Weight gain is often multifactorial, involving diet, exercise, genetics, and other health conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining weight" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of increasing in body weight. Ludwig AI confirms that "gaining weight" is correct and commonly used, appearing in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaining weight" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the process of increasing body mass. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s widely used across different types of texts and registers, most frequently in news, media, and academic contexts. While generally neutral, context is key in determining the specific connotation. Alternatives like "putting on weight" or simply "weight gain" exist, each with slight differences in nuance. When using "gaining weight", it's important to be mindful of the surrounding context to avoid misunderstandings and to provide specific information, particularly when discussing health-related issues. The phrase's frequency and varied application make it an important expression to understand in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting on weight

Emphasizes the process of adding weight, often gradually.

weight gain

A more concise, noun-based expression for the same concept.

increasing in weight

Highlights the gradual increase in mass.

adding pounds

Specifically refers to gaining weight measured in pounds.

becoming heavier

Focuses on the sensation and state of increased weight.

piling on pounds

Suggests a rapid and substantial increase in weight.

fattening up

Informal and often carries a negative connotation.

expanding in size

Emphasizes the increase in physical dimensions, not just weight.

developing obesity

Implies a significant and unhealthy weight gain leading to a medical condition.

growing stouter

Suggests becoming thicker or heavier in build, often associated with age.

FAQs

What are some common reasons for "gaining weight"?

Common reasons for "gaining weight" include changes in diet, reduced physical activity, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. It's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause.

How can I prevent "gaining weight"?

Preventing "gaining weight" involves maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and monitoring your overall health. Portion control and mindful eating are also crucial.

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

"Weight gain" is a noun phrase referring to the increase in body weight, while "gaining weight" is a verb phrase describing the process of increasing in body weight. They are often used interchangeably.

What can I say instead of "gaining weight" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "experiencing weight gain", "increasing in body mass", or "demonstrating an increase in weight".