gives weight to

USAGE SUMMARY

"gives weight to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to add significance or support to something. It can be used in various contexts, such as in persuasive writing or in academic discussions. Example: The study's findings give weight to the argument that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That gives weight to allegations of selective justice.

The Economist

But suppose I were to ask what gives weight to that material.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He's capable of suffering, a quality that gives weight to the bounce in his stride.

The New York Times

Mr. Nouvel's creation gives weight to an underappreciated history while remaining firmly pointed toward the future.

The New York Times - Arts

Their version gives weight to the aspirant mogul's "dreams of grandeur" and "megalomania".

The Economist

(Game score gives weight to complete games, which have become increasingly uncommon since 1980).

The New York Times

That Ertekin served only a few weeks of a four-year sentence gives weight to this theory.

The Guardian - Books

Connecting with an inmate gives artists a face and a storyline that gives weight to the issues involved.

The New York Times - Arts

An unworldly Zen teacher with a touch of very earthly cruelty, there's authority to her screen presence that gives weight to Strange's spiritual journey.

The Guardian - Film

This multiplicity of viewpoints presents C��zanne in the round and gives weight to his belief that "All my compatriots are arseholes beside me".

The Guardian - Books

Roast squash in sage-flavored brown butter gives weight to chicken cannelloni, and Mr. DeMarco lavishes his salmon confit with creamed lentils, bacon and chanterelles.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gives weight to", ensure the subject truly adds significance or support to the object. Avoid using it when the connection is weak or tenuous.

Common error

Avoid using "gives weight to" when the supporting evidence is flimsy or irrelevant. This can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives weight to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something adds significance or support to a particular idea, argument, or claim. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used in diverse contexts, such as academic discussions, news reporting, and scientific research, to emphasize the reinforcing nature of evidence or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gives weight to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something adds significance or support to a particular idea or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and to a lesser extent, in formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure a clear connection between the subject and the object it supports. Alternatives like "lends credence to" or "adds strength to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It is important to avoid overusing the phrase with weak evidence, as it can diminish the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lends credence to

Focuses on providing believability or trustworthiness to something.

supports the idea of

Emphasizes the backing or validation of a particular concept or belief.

adds strength to

Highlights the reinforcement or fortification of an argument or position.

buttresses the claim that

Implies providing strong support or reinforcement to a specific assertion.

bolsters the argument for

Similar to buttressing, but specifically related to strengthening an argument.

substantiates the notion that

Focuses on providing evidence or proof to support a particular idea.

reinforces the view of

Emphasizes the strengthening or confirmation of a particular perspective or opinion.

validates the hypothesis

Specifically confirms the accuracy or truth of a scientific hypothesis.

attests to the fact that

Highlights that alternative provides affirmation to a particular fact.

bears out the theory

This alternative phrase means confirms the theory.

FAQs

How can I use "gives weight to" in a sentence?

Use "gives weight to" when you want to express that something adds significance or credibility to an idea, argument, or claim. For example, "The new evidence "gives weight to" the suspect's alibi".

What are some alternatives to "gives weight to"?

You can use alternatives like "lends credence to", "supports the idea of", or "adds strength to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gives weight to" or "gives weight towards"?

"Gives weight to" is the correct and more common phrase. "Gives weight towards" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "gives weight to" and "gives emphasis to"?

"Gives weight to" implies adding credibility or significance, while "gives emphasis to" focuses on highlighting or stressing something. For example, a study might "gives weight to" a particular theory, while a speaker might "gives emphasis to" certain key points.