has gained weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has gained weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes in a person's body weight, typically in a medical, health, or personal context. Example: "After a year of stress and poor eating habits, she has gained weight and is considering a healthier lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

She has gained weight, and the cavities in her lungs have shrunk.

The New York Times - Science

At one point, Mr. Tormos gestured to Mr. Abbas and said: "He has gained weight.

The New York Times

"He has gained weight," Ms. Ocampo said, "to the point where we were struggling find clothes for him.

The New York Times - Health

The Mayor has gained weight through it all because he has had no time for calisthenics or outdoor exercise.

The New Yorker

"When they say a man has gained weight, it implies he's got someone new in his life," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

But after more than two months recuperating at the Riverhead Foundation, the seal has gained weight and swims around its tank with renewed energy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

She had gained weight.

The New Yorker

I've gained weight.

The New York Times

Is it because I've gained weight?

The New York Times

Both also appeared to have gained weight.

The New York Times

"You've gained weight," the resident said reassuringly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical appearance, consider the context and your relationship with the person. Using "has gained weight" might be insensitive if the person is self-conscious about their weight.

Common error

Don't assume that someone "has gained weight" due to unhealthy habits. There could be underlying medical reasons or lifestyle changes contributing to the weight gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gained weight" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing a state of change in a subject's body mass. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has gained weight" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an increase in body mass. According to Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to personal observations, though sensitivity is crucial when discussing personal appearance. Alternative phrases like "has put on weight" or "has increased in weight" offer subtle variations in tone and formality. Remember to be mindful of the potential impact when using this phrase, especially in personal interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has put on weight

Uses "put on" instead of "gained", offering a more informal tone.

has increased in weight

More formal and direct, using "increased" to denote the change.

has become heavier

Focuses on the resulting state of being heavier.

has added pounds

Highlights the specific unit of weight gained.

has bulked up

Implies an increase in muscle mass, often intentional.

has filled out

Suggests a more rounded or less thin physique.

has gotten stout

Indicates a more significant and noticeable weight gain.

has expanded

A less direct way of saying someone has grown in size.

is heavier now

Simple and direct statement of current weight status.

has become portly

Suggests a dignified or slightly humorous weight gain, typically in older men.

FAQs

What's a less direct way to say someone "has gained weight"?

You could say the person "has filled out", which is a gentler way of indicating an increase in size.

Is it appropriate to tell someone they "has gained weight"?

It depends on your relationship with the person and the context. It's generally best to avoid commenting on someone's weight unless it's relevant to a health concern and you have a close, supportive relationship.

What could be the implications of pointing out that someone "has gained weight"?

Pointing out that someone "has gained weight" can lead to feelings of shame, insecurity, or body image issues. It's important to be mindful of the potential emotional impact of such comments.

Are there alternative, more neutral phrases to "has gained weight" in a medical context?

In a medical context, it's more appropriate to say the patient "has increased in weight" or to simply document the specific weight change without making evaluative statements.