on the heavier side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the heavier side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe objects or people that weigh more than average. For example, "My pre-teen son is already on the heavier side, so I worry about his health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Some of the women are on the heavier side, but there is only peripheral talk about gyms and the sweat investments required to look decent in a Vera Wang gown.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite slipping 61% (on the heavier side) to number two in its second weekend, Paramount and Regency Enterprises' biblical interpretation has sailed to $72.3m in North America and around $178m worldwide in not much time at all.

The Guardian - Film

This is a "heavy hitter" with lots of processor power but it's a bit on the heavier side.

TechCrunch

They feel like a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers weight wise, so on the heavier side for sunglasses, which is to be expected given the camera unit embedded on the right side.

TechCrunch

It's on the heavier side but it's really wearable if you break it down a little bit with oil.

Huffington Post

For most of my life I've juggled between the same five to ten pounds, and unbeknownst to me I guess I was on the heavier side again.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

TURKEY -- On the heavy side.

The New York Times

"They were a little bit on the heavy side".

The New York Times - Arts

Don't overwork, or the loaf will be on the heavy side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It measures 0.65 inches thick, but weighs a little on the heavy side at 3.5 pounds.

The New York Times - Tech

She explained that she had always been tall and on the heavy side.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical attributes, use "on the heavier side" to soften potentially critical observations, maintaining a respectful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "on the heavier side" without providing context or comparison. Specify what is being compared to provide a clearer understanding. For example, "This model is on the heavier side compared to other laptops in its class."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the heavier side" functions primarily as a prepositional modifier. It typically qualifies a noun, indicating that something is relatively heavier than a comparable item or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the heavier side" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that functions as a modifier, typically found in neutral contexts like news and media. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase serves as a softened way to describe that something weighs more than average or is relatively heavy. Alternatives such as "somewhat weighty" or "rather hefty" can provide similar nuances. When using "on the heavier side", ensure you provide sufficient context for clarity and maintain a respectful tone, particularly when describing personal attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather hefty

Uses "hefty" to suggest considerable weight or size.

somewhat weighty

Emphasizes weight but uses a more descriptive adjective.

a bit overweight

Directly addresses the condition of being above a healthy weight.

on the bulky side

Emphasizes size and volume more than weight.

slightly portly

A polite way to describe someone who is somewhat fat.

relatively substantial

Focuses on the significant amount or size, not specifically weight.

moderately dense

Describes the compactness of an object, implying heavier mass for its size.

comparatively massive

Highlights the large scale or extent.

somewhat cumbersome

Focuses on the difficulty in handling due to weight or size.

noticeably ponderous

Highlights the heavy and often slow-moving nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "on the heavier side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the heavier side" to describe something that is relatively heavy compared to others of its kind. For instance, "This suitcase is a bit "on the heavier side", so it might be difficult to carry for long distances."

What is a less direct way to say someone is overweight?

Instead of directly saying someone is overweight, you could say they are ""on the heavier side"". This phrasing is more gentle and less likely to offend.

Is it appropriate to use "on the heavier side" in professional settings?

While ""on the heavier side"" is generally acceptable, it's best to use more precise language in professional contexts. For example, instead of saying a product is ""on the heavier side"", state its actual weight.

What are some alternative phrases for "on the heavier side" when describing an object's weight?

Alternatives include "somewhat weighty", "rather hefty", or "relatively substantial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.