is weighed against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is weighed against" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare or evaluate one thing in relation to another, often in decision-making contexts. Example: "The benefits of the new policy are weighed against its potential costs before implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But when that finding is weighed against another from the professor's research, I can only conclude that the study is a devastating indictment of fund-industry inefficiency.

The New York Times

After going through a magnetic sensor, which checks the metallic content, it falls into a chamber in which it is weighed against a test token.

The New York Times

Three guesses who is going to win a round where legislatively protected personal privacy is weighed against the nebulous concept of the public's interest in freedom of expression?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's not until return is weighed against risk that you achieve an accurate and true assessment of how your investments are performing".

The New York Times

She plays an important role in the judgment of the dead: the heart of the deceased is weighed against the truth of Maat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its flameout on Broadway is weighed against its lasting impact on American theater, where it has developed a deep, almost cult following over the years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Policing graffiti artists and skateboarders must be weighed against the park's freedom theme.

The New York Times - Arts

The risks were weighed against new realities.

The New York Times

Costs must be weighed against patient outcomes, however.

The New York Times

This should be weighed against the benefits of shareholder activism.

The New York Times

Those fees should be weighed against the tax savings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is weighed against" to convey a careful comparison of two or more factors before making a decision or judgment. It is particularly useful when highlighting trade-offs and considering both positive and negative aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "is weighed against" when a more direct, active voice construction would be clearer and more concise. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound convoluted and less engaging. For example, instead of 'The proposal is weighed against the current policy,' consider 'We weighed the proposal against the current policy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is weighed against" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that something is being evaluated or compared to something else. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts where contrasting elements or potential outcomes are considered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is weighed against" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to indicate that two or more factors are being carefully compared, often in the context of decision-making or evaluation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. Alternative phrases such as "is balanced with" or "is compared to" can be used to express similar meanings. A key writing tip is to use this phrase when highlighting trade-offs and considering both positive and negative aspects, while avoiding its overuse in passive constructions for clearer, more engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is balanced with

Emphasizes equilibrium and equal consideration rather than a direct comparison or judgment.

is compared to

Focuses on identifying similarities and differences, without necessarily implying a judgment.

is measured against

Highlights the use of a specific standard or benchmark for evaluation.

is judged in light of

Suggests a more subjective assessment, considering the broader context.

is assessed relative to

Emphasizes a comparison within a defined framework or system.

is evaluated alongside

Highlights a simultaneous evaluation of multiple elements.

is considered against

Implies a more general consideration or contemplation of factors.

is juxtaposed with

Emphasizes the act of placing two things side by side for comparison.

is set against

Implies contrast, and the setting one thing in opposition to another.

is contrasted with

Emphasizes differences and dissimilarities rather than an overall evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "is weighed against" in a sentence?

Use "is weighed against" to show a comparison of two options. For example: "The potential benefits of the new program "is weighed against" the associated costs."

What are some alternatives to "is weighed against"?

Alternatives include "is balanced with", "is compared to", or "is measured against", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "is weighed against"?

While "is weighed against" is in the passive voice, it's often appropriate when the actor is unknown or less important than the comparison itself. However, using the active voice might provide a stronger sense of agency and clarity.

What does "is weighed against" imply in decision-making?

It suggests a structured and deliberate evaluation process where different factors are carefully considered, often with the goal of making the most informed choice. Each aspect "is balanced with" the others.