heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a lot of weight or to convey a sense of seriousness or intensity in various contexts. Example: "The box was too heavy for me to lift on my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Do you not have a heavy burden of justification to show authorisation under the constitution?" he asked the US solicitor-general, Donald Verrilli, who was defending the law.

The Guardian

"Plunkett has paid a heavy price for putting his own interests above the integrity of the market and Barclays customerr.

The Guardian - Business

She added that when they had begun lobbying Georgia's legislators, they had discovered that many of them were not even aware of the state's uniquely heavy burden of proof.

The Guardian

Chadwick's despondent vocals and a melancholic guitar line are run though a heavy wash of reverb, the kind of song that sounds like it was written at the depressing end of an all-night bender.

The Guardian - Music

As noted yesterday, the use of the heavy roller has been a key factor in that.

The Guardian - Sport

Morgan replaced him but this campaign got off to a disastrous start with heavy defeats handed out by Australia in Melbourne and New Zealand in Wellington, a match that lasted around half the allotted overs in total, before the first win was gained against Scotland in Christchurch.

The Guardian - Sport

We enjoy a chat with me tucked safely in the middle, wearing Gulotta's heavy white bulletproof vest.

The Guardian

"These increases are a heavy burden on our constituents," added Phil Gingrey of Georgia, who pressed Sebelius for more detail on how those facing financial hardship will avoid government penalties for failing to sign up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Brannan is for dead Gerard Butler, Sutro is for heavy-handed homoeroticism, Amaro is for cats and dinners.

The Guardian - Film

But while rural dwellers in particular chafe at restrictions and heavy-handed enforcement – which has included forced abortions – many in cities are used to the policy and seem largely indifferent, or like the idea of increasing their families but worry about the financial impact.

The Guardian

We're preparing for them to come in in quite a heavy-handed way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something with significant impact or consequence, use "heavy" to convey the weight and seriousness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy" as a generic term for 'good' or 'cool' in formal writing. This usage is informal and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Linguistic Context

The word "heavy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their weight, intensity, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and versatile. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing physical weight, emotional burdens, and intense situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Film

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "heavy" is a versatile adjective with a wide range of applications, primarily used to describe substantial weight, intensity, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Usage ranges from describing physical burdens and emotional states to indicating intensity in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its formality can vary based on context, with frequent appearances in news and media, sport, and formal business writing. When aiming for clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "weighty" or "substantial" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Ensure appropriate register by avoiding informal uses in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighty

Emphasizes the physical weight or importance of something.

substantial

Focuses on the significant amount or degree of something.

ponderous

Suggests something is heavy in a physical or metaphorical sense, often implying slowness or difficulty.

burdensome

Highlights the oppressive or difficult nature of a load or responsibility.

severe

Indicates something is intense or harsh, often in a negative way.

considerable

Emphasizes the large size or importance of something.

oppressive

Implies a sense of being weighed down or burdened by something.

intense

Highlights the high degree or strength of something.

forcible

Describes something that is done with force or power.

vehement

Expresses strong feelings or intensity of expression.

FAQs

How to use "heavy" in a sentence?

The word "heavy" can be used to describe something with great weight, such as "The box was too heavy to lift". It can also describe something serious, like "The news was heavy with sorrow", or something intense, like "There was heavy traffic on the highway".

What can I say instead of "heavy"?

You can use alternatives like "weighty", "substantial", or "ponderous" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "heavy burden" or "weighty burden"?

Both "heavy burden" and "weighty burden" are correct, but "heavy burden" is more commonly used. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey, as "weighty" can sometimes imply importance or significance in addition to weight.

What's the difference between "heavy rain" and "hard rain"?

"Heavy rain" refers to the intensity and volume of rainfall. "Hard rain" also indicates intensity but can sometimes suggest larger raindrops and a more forceful impact.