he is heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a large physical weight or to convey a metaphorical sense of emotional burden. Example: "After carrying all those boxes, I realized he is heavy and needed help to move them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dr. Moore said he is heavy in the field of the occult.

The New Yorker

He is heavy, but I am reluctant to let him go.

The Guardian - Sport

He is not tall, and he is heavy, despite having lost sixty pounds in three months last year.

The New Yorker

Mr. Botha is sometimes unfairly accused of being wooden: he is heavy and unagile onstage, but he is sensitive to the meaning of his words.

The New York Times - Arts

When he is heavy, he is much easier to cover, though his drop from 88 catches in 2010 to 49 in 2011 had more to do with the problems the Gamecocks had at quarterback than Jeffery's love of baked pasta.

The New York Times

Iago does not say, "Heaven forgive me for wronging this innocent couple," nor that he is heavy with envy and jealousy — a motive that seems to have appeared in Shakespeare's source but that Shakespeare amputated from his play.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sometimes he uses them skilfully; at other times he is heavy-handed.

The Economist

He is heavy-metal and milk-and-cookies, all rolled into one.

The New York Times - Sports

He is heavy-hearted as he ticks off his debts in a defeated voice.

The New York Times - Food

Opponents say he is heavy-handed to the point of authoritarianism.

The Guardian

And, while the 33-year-old from San Pedro de Urabá has met few other opponents of world class, he is heavy-handed and dangerous.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character or impact, consider using "he is heavy" metaphorically to convey a sense of significant influence or presence.

Common error

Avoid using "he is heavy" in contexts where it might be considered insensitive or offensive, particularly when discussing someone's weight. Instead, opt for neutral or positive language that focuses on their abilities or qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is heavy" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It's used to attribute a quality (heaviness) to a subject (he). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and adaptable to various contexts, either literally or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is heavy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that can describe someone's physical weight or, metaphorically, the burdens they carry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across varied sources. While the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, its usage requires sensitivity, particularly when referring to someone's physical appearance. Alternatives such as "he is overweight" or "he is burdened" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase's neutral register and potential for misinterpretation highlight the importance of careful word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is hefty

A more informal synonym describing someone's large size.

he carries weight

Focus shifts from physical heaviness to the abstract concept of influence or importance.

he is burdened

Emphasizes the emotional or psychological weight someone is carrying.

he is weighted down

Highlights the idea of being burdened by something, often emotionally or psychologically.

he is portly

A polite term for someone who is stout or overweight.

he is substantial

Implies considerable size or importance.

he is corpulent

A formal term for someone who is excessively fat.

he is laden

Indicates being heavily loaded or burdened.

he is cumbersome

Describes someone who is difficult to handle or manage, either physically or metaphorically.

he is ponderous

Suggests slow and clumsy movement due to weight or size.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is heavy"?

The phrase "he is heavy" can literally mean that the person has a large physical weight. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest that the person carries a significant burden, either emotionally or in terms of responsibility.

How can I use "he is heavy" in a sentence?

You can use "he is heavy" in a sentence to describe someone's physical weight, like "After his injury, "he is heavy" and struggles to move around easily." Or you can use it metaphorically: "He is burdened with the weight of his family's expectations, and it shows in his demeanor."

What are some alternatives to saying "he is heavy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he is overweight", "he is burdened", or "he is substantial". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to physical weight or a metaphorical burden.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "he is heavy"?

While grammatically correct, describing someone as "he is heavy" can be sensitive, particularly if referring to physical weight. Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using this phrase, and opt for more neutral or positive descriptions if possible.