lends weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lends weight" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to add importance or credibility to something. Example: The fact that the evidence was presented by an expert lends weight to the prosecution's argument.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The footage lends weight to that idea.

The New York Times

The 29-year-old's past lends weight to his words.

The Guardian - Sport

When more means bigger, it lends weight to art, too.

The New York Times - Arts

But anecdotal evidence lends weight to Mr He's assertions.

The Economist

Mr Agaev, Malabu's former fixer, lends weight to this interpretation.

The Economist

But keeping PFI spending off the books lends weight to charges of official dishonesty.

The Economist

The involvement of Vietnam, for example, lends weight to this interpretation.

The Economist

The state of emergency lends weight to its argument that the poll must be postponed.

The Economist

Visually, N++ is understated and sharp, while the music capably lends weight and momentum to the action.

The Guardian - Tech

Hugh Grant, on the other hand, here lends weight to the old style adage that British men can't do casual.

The Guardian

Repetition lends weight to apparently incidental phrases, the ensemble cast excellently negotiating the natural/artificial tempo changes.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lends weight" when you want to emphasize that new information or evidence bolsters an existing argument or theory. Be specific about what the evidence is and how it strengthens the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "lends weight" when the evidence is only tangentially related to the main point, as this can weaken your argument instead of strengthening it. Ensure a direct and clear connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lends weight" functions as a verb phrase that signifies the action of providing additional support or credibility to an idea, argument, or theory. This is reinforced by the Ludwig AI analysis, which confirms the phrase's correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lends weight" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the addition of importance or credibility to a claim, argument, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. When using "lends weight", ensure the supporting evidence directly and clearly reinforces your argument to maximize its persuasive impact. Consider alternatives such as "adds credibility" or "strengthens the argument" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adds credibility

Focuses specifically on enhancing believability.

strengthens the argument

Highlights the bolstering effect on a particular claim.

supports the idea

Emphasizes the reinforcement of a specific concept.

gives credence to

Similar to adding credibility, but with a slightly more formal tone.

bolsters the assertion

Implies a forceful reinforcement of a statement.

validates the theory

Suggests confirmation of a theoretical framework.

substantiates the claim

Indicates providing evidence to support a statement.

reinforces the belief

Highlights the strengthening of a particular conviction.

affirms the hypothesis

Suggests a confirmation of a proposed explanation.

bears out the contention

Indicates that something proves a point.

FAQs

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

Use "lends weight" to indicate that something adds credibility or importance to an idea or argument. For example, "The expert's testimony "lends weight" to the plaintiff's case".

What can I say instead of "lends weight"?

You can use alternatives like "adds credibility", "strengthens the argument", or "supports the idea" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "lends weight" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "lends weight" when you want to convey that new evidence or information supports and strengthens an existing claim or theory. It implies a positive impact on the validity of the argument.

What's the difference between "lends weight" and "gives credence to"?

"Lends weight" implies adding importance or strength to an argument, while "gives credence to" suggests providing a reason to believe something. They are similar, but "lends weight" often implies a more measurable or impactful effect.