heavy weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant mass or is difficult to lift, or metaphorically to indicate a serious or important issue. Example: "The heavy weight of the decision rested on her shoulders as she contemplated the future of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It's a heavy weight".

The New York Times

A heavy weight lifted.

The New York Times - Magazine

What is a heavy weight?

The New York Times

All of these concerns carry heavy weight.

Harvard University

"But we don't want people to do heavy weight lifting.

The New York Times - Health

The researchers say a heavy weight has been lifted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's a real heavy-weight line-up...broad range of perspectives.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Garlik has a pretty heavy-weight team.

TechCrunch

And heavy-weight he has become.

TechCrunch

All pretty heavy-weight in security or fintech.

TechCrunch

Interesting but, that's heavy-weight content to start with.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "significant burden" or "substantial load" if the primary intention is to convey a sense of difficulty or strain. However, "heavy weight" is often suitable when referring to physical mass or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy weight" when a simpler or more direct term would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact; instead, opt for alternatives like "important" or "significant" if the sense of burden isn't central to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy weight" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something possessing significant mass or representing a considerable burden, whether physical or emotional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy weight" is a versatile noun phrase commonly employed to denote substantial physical mass or a significant burden, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function primarily involves acting as a noun phrase within sentences, conveying a sense of heaviness or importance. Predominantly used in neutral contexts across news media, academic circles, and general discourse, "heavy weight" is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When crafting content, remember to use "heavy weight" when there's a burden or importance that the writer wants to convey. If the intent is just to describe something important without implying burden, consider alternatives like "significant" or "substantial".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant burden

Emphasizes the burdensome aspect more directly.

substantial load

Highlights the amount or quantity of something imposing a burden.

considerable mass

Focuses on the physical heaviness or size.

onerous responsibility

Specifically refers to the burdensome nature of a duty.

grave concern

Indicates a serious or important issue causing worry.

major influence

Shifts the focus to the impact or power something holds.

enormous pressure

Highlights the stress or strain caused by something.

significant influence

Focuses more on power and importance of impact, rather than the feeling of heaviness.

cumbersome object

Focuses on the unwieldy and difficult to handle nature of a physical item.

formidable obstacle

Implies a challenge or barrier that is difficult to overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy weight" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy weight" to describe something with substantial mass, like "The box was a heavy weight to carry". Metaphorically, it can denote a significant burden or responsibility, such as "The heavy weight of leadership rested on her shoulders".

What phrases can I use instead of "heavy weight"?

Alternatives include "significant burden", "substantial load", "considerable mass", or "onerous responsibility", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "heavy weight" or "great weight"?

Both "heavy weight" and "great weight" are acceptable, but "heavy weight" often implies a physical or emotional burden, while "great weight" suggests importance or significance. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning in your sentence.

What's the difference between "heavy weight" and "serious weight"?

"Heavy weight" usually refers to something that is physically heavy or metaphorically burdensome. "Serious weight", while less common, tends to emphasize the importance or significance of something. For example, "His opinion carries serious weight".