holds less weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holds less weight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is considered to be less important or less influential than something else. Example: "In this debate, personal opinions often hold less weight than factual evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For example, the tradition of carol singing holds less weight than perhaps it once did – with the musical sphere of Christmas now filled with chart-topping pop songs".

Independent

However, restoring the economic fortunes of the country has led to the end of the worst food shortages and hyperinflation, meaning that the previously successful message on the need to fix the economy holds less weight.

The Guardian

This, though similarly named, holds less weight than getting certified and does not qualify you to take the CCN -- you need the coursework to do that.[6].

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Concepts like shame held less weight.

The New York Times

I feel these comparisons would hold less weight were the two schemes compared.

The Guardian

Her self-love plan is for her, to nurture her, so that deep within herself she will know who she is and the opinion of others will hold less weight.

HuffPost

Political considerations carry less weight.

The New York Times

Magazine advertising holds less risk.

Los Angeles Times

They were also quick to point out that formal education holds much less weight in assuring their future than in the past, given growing competition for semi-skilled jobs and exceedingly high levels of school failure.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

Textured soy protein held slightly less weight than gelatin (790 g), but still outperformed the commercial binder.

BMC Biotechnology

The latest Bank of America Merrill Lynch survey revealed that 28percentnt of fund managers hold less than the market weighting of UK stocks in their portfolios.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holds less weight", ensure the context clearly indicates what it is being compared to, to provide a clear understanding of the diminished importance. For instance, "In legal proceedings, anecdotal evidence holds less weight than documented proof."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the decrease in importance. "Holds less weight" suggests a relative reduction, not necessarily complete irrelevance. Ensure the wording accurately reflects the degree of diminished significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds less weight" functions primarily as a comparative expression, indicating that something has diminished importance or influence relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "holds less weight" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate a reduction in importance or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's essential to clearly specify what is being compared to, using "holds less weight" effectively conveys a shift in significance. Alternative phrases like "carries less influence" or "is of lesser importance" can offer subtle nuances depending on the intended meaning. The key is to maintain clarity and precision when highlighting diminished significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carries less influence

Replaces "weight" with "influence", focusing on the power or effect something has.

is of lesser importance

Substitutes "holds less weight" with a more formal expression of reduced significance.

bears less significance

Uses "bears" instead of "holds", and "significance" in place of "weight", altering the tone slightly.

lacks impact

Focuses on the absence of an effect or influence, rather than a reduction in weight.

is not as compelling

Shifts the emphasis to persuasiveness or convincingness, rather than sheer importance.

is less persuasive

Highlights a reduction in the ability to convince or sway someone.

is given less consideration

Emphasizes the act of deliberate thought and attention, rather than inherent importance.

is undervalued

Implies an incorrect assessment of worth, rather than a true lack of importance.

is downplayed

Indicates a deliberate attempt to reduce the apparent importance of something.

is diminished in stature

Uses more figurative language to describe something losing importance or prestige.

FAQs

How can I use "holds less weight" in a sentence?

You can use "holds less weight" to indicate that something is considered less important or influential than something else. For example, "In this debate, personal opinions often "hold less weight" than factual evidence."

What can I say instead of "holds less weight"?

You can use alternatives like "carries less significance", "is of lesser importance", or "lacks impact" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "holds less weight" in writing?

"Holds less weight" is appropriate when you want to convey that something has diminished importance or influence compared to something else. It's suitable for various contexts, including discussions, analyses, and comparisons.

Is "holds less weight" formal or informal?

"Holds less weight" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's appropriate for both formal and informal writing, depending on the surrounding language and the overall context. It is common in "news and media".