hold no weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold no weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something lacks significance, importance, or credibility. Example: "His arguments hold no weight in this debate, as they are not supported by any evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He said the criticisms of his commentary "hold no weight with me" because the same people saying that that was an inappropriate time and place to talk about the gun issue "would have thought it was fine if they agreed with what I was saying".

The New York Times

In fact, in some cases their opinion should hold no weight over me.

Huffington Post

"I've read that I exploit my mom, and that my pictures suck, also that I offend those whose are suffering from 'real' mental health problems," she said, "but in my opinion those comments hold no weight compared to the happiness and validation that it gives my mother and the people who reach out to me".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She had a license to carry it in Tennessee, and she said she had no idea that the permit held no weight in New York.

The New York Times

Any argument that today's news is in some way a blow to free speech, or seeks to control women, holds no weight.

Independent

While Rovers owe a huge debt of gratitude to their generous benefactor, which their fans continue to vociferously acknowledge, the emphasis on money is unjust and the assertion that they only won the league because of it is ignorant of the facts and holds no weight.

The Guardian - Sport

M. Ravi, a human-rights lawyer representing the challengers, had argued that Section 377(a) arbitrarily distinguished between gay men and women, leaving the former open to incarceration and the latter untouched, but his argument also held no weight for the court.

The Economist

Sony's Betamax video player held no weight against JVC's VHS format.

Forbes

That holds no weight over what's in your head, so fuck em' and paint what you want.

Huffington Post

Many pesticides have been linked to health problems, Unfortunately, the word "organic" holds no weight -- look for the "USDA Certified Organic" label, which means the food is certified to contain no pesticides, artificial ingredients, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, bio-engineered materials, synthetic growth hormones or irradiated ingredients.

Huffington Post

LGBT activists argued until they were blue in the face that every other major city in Texas had such a broad ordinance, as did 200 other large cities across America -- and Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. -- but that argument held no weight against the lies of the "bathroom" ads.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold no weight" to express that an argument, opinion, or factor lacks significance or influence in a particular situation. It's effective for dismissing unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "hold no weight" when describing physical objects or literal weight. This phrase is best suited for abstract concepts like arguments, opinions, or concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold no weight" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject (typically an argument, opinion, or concern) lacks importance or influence. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold no weight" is a grammatically sound and fairly common expression used to indicate that something lacks significance or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English, particularly in contexts where dismissing or downplaying a point is necessary. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure it applies to abstract concepts rather than literal physical weight, and consider alternatives like ""carry no weight"" or ""lack importance"" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry no weight

Substitutes "hold" with "carry", slightly altering the imagery but maintaining the same meaning of lacking importance.

have no significance

Replaces the weight metaphor with a direct statement of lacking significance.

possess no influence

Focuses on the lack of influence or impact.

lack importance

A more straightforward way of saying something is not important.

are irrelevant

Indicates that something is not applicable or pertinent to the situation.

are inconsequential

Emphasizes the minor or trivial nature of something.

do not matter

A simple and direct way to express lack of importance.

bear no relevance

Highlights the absence of connection or pertinence.

are of no consequence

Stresses that something has no significant effect or outcome.

aren't worth considering

Suggests that something is not valuable enough to be taken into account.

FAQs

What does "hold no weight" mean?

The phrase "hold no weight" means that something lacks significance, importance, or influence. It suggests that an argument or idea is not compelling or persuasive.

How can I use "hold no weight" in a sentence?

You can use "hold no weight" to express that an argument or opinion is not important or valid. For example, "His arguments "carry no weight" because they are based on speculation."

What are some alternatives to "hold no weight"?

Alternatives to "hold no weight" include "have no significance", "lack importance", or "are irrelevant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "holds no weight" instead of "hold no weight"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "holds no weight" with singular subjects (e.g., "His argument holds no weight"). Use "hold no weight" with plural subjects (e.g., "Their opinions hold no weight").