under a weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under a weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is physically or metaphorically burdened or constrained by a weight. Example: "The bridge sagged slightly under a weight of heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Earlier, describing the play's characters, she had told me, "They all feel like they're under a weight of expectation.

The New Yorker

Page A6 NO, NO, NOT CRICKET! Britain has been under siege; its banks shudder under a weight of debt; its largest stores are closing; and unemployment is skyrocketing.

The New York Times

But it's what happens when the piece is published that makes it particularly interesting – under a weight of clicks, the internet flexes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kirch went bankrupt in 2002, and News Corp itself nearly went bust in 1990 under a weight of debt.James is trying hard to reassure investors.

The Economist

Lebanon needs generous ones, because as it struggles to rebuild itself after the Israeli invasion, it is already bent double under a weight of debt.

The Economist

In Spain, whose banks are struggling under a weight of depressed real estate assets and poor domestic growth, international lending to the country's banks fell 10 percent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Athletes relying on quick and secure sideways movements practiced the likely motion processes of the respective discipline under a weight-reducing suspension.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Size 3 is for 7 year olds and under at a weight of around 11oz-12oz.

WikiHow

FEW Canadian ambassadors have headed to Washington under quite such a weight of expectations.

The Economist

No learner's permit is necessary -- just a weight under 90 pounds.

The New York Times - Arts

At worst, the thicket of verbiage itself becomes a weight under which the music must labor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "under a weight", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is imposing the weight and what is being affected by it. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under a weight" when a different preposition more accurately reflects the relationship. For instance, if something is contained, use "within" or "inside" instead. If something is hidden or concealed, use phrases such as "beneath" or "concealed by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under a weight" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to describe the condition or state of being burdened or influenced. It indicates that something is experiencing the effects of a physical or metaphorical force. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under a weight" functions as a prepositional phrase that describes a state of being burdened or constrained. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize pressure and strain, carrying a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When deploying "under a weight", ensure the source and impact are clearly defined for enhanced clarity. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives, and steering clear of ambiguous usages can refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling the weight of

Highlights the subjective experience of being weighed down.

struggling with the burden of

Focuses on the effort required to manage a difficult situation or responsibility.

burdened by pressure

Focuses on the psychological or emotional aspect of being burdened.

affected by the burden of

Highlights how something is impacted negatively by a burden.

carrying a heavy load

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical act of bearing a burden.

bearing the brunt of

Suggests being directly and negatively affected by something.

pressed down by

Suggests a force actively pushing something downwards.

subject to the strain of

Indicates a condition causing stress or difficulty.

labouring under the impact of

Emphasizes the strenuous effort caused by an impact or force.

operating under duress

Implies acting against one's will due to overwhelming pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "under a weight" to describe something physically pressed down by something heavy or metaphorically burdened by expectation, responsibility, or stress. For example, "The bridge groaned "under a weight" of traffic" or "She felt crushed "under a weight" of responsibility".

What are some alternatives to saying "under a weight"?

Alternatives to "under a weight" include "burdened by pressure", "feeling the weight of", or "struggling with the burden of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "under the weight of" or simply "under a weight of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "under the weight of" often sounds more natural when referring to a specific, identifiable burden. "Under a weight of" can be used when referring to a more general or unspecified burden.

When is it appropriate to use "under a weight" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "under a weight" metaphorically when describing a situation where someone or something is experiencing significant pressure, stress, or responsibility that feels heavy or oppressive. Consider if alternatives such as "burdened by", "oppressed by", or "constrained by" can work as well.