undue weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something is given more importance or consideration than it deserves, often in legal or analytical discussions. Example: "The court found that the expert testimony was given undue weight in the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We used simple weighted means to combine data; this could have given undue weight to larger studies which may not have had findings typical of the other studies.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Author! (1982), given undue weight by Al Pacino's performance.

The Guardian - Film

But that might be to give it undue weight.

The Economist

Those using the tests may become complacent, worries Anne-Marie McAlinden of Queen's University, Belfast, and give them undue weight.

The Economist

"We know," he said, "that jurors place undue weight, for example, on the seeming confidence of an eyewitness".

The New York Times

The decrease in fat can help raise the child's metabolic rate and increase the number of calories that can be consumed without undue weight gain.

The New York Times - Health

During the franchise's zenith, critics claimed that the series' exaggerated portrayal of forensic science caused jurors to place undue weight on forensic evidence.

Independent

But as interpretations of the principle, both views are baffling, most of all for the undue weight they give to the idea of measurement.

The New York Times

Conservative shadow health secretary Liam Fox said his party would "support any measures which put the child at the centre of the [adoption] process, rather than giving undue weight to social or political factors".

The Guardian

One reason is that executives' view of downsizing is shaped by what's sometimes called the vividness heuristic: the tendency to give undue weight to particularly vivid or newsworthy examples.

The New Yorker

It is not easy, especially because, while it wants to give serious coverage to other serious contenders, it does not want to give undue weight to the real fringe candidates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undue weight", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being inappropriately emphasized and why this emphasis is problematic.

Common error

Avoid attributing "undue weight" without specifying who or what is assigning the disproportionate importance. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue weight" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb, such as "give" or "place". According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to describe a situation where something is given more importance than it deserves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undue weight" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is being given more importance than it deserves. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "undue weight", remember to clearly identify the source of the disproportionate emphasis to avoid ambiguity and ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being inappropriately emphasized and why this emphasis is problematic. Remember that alternatives include "excessive importance", "disproportionate emphasis", or "inordinate significance", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undue consideration

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the act of considering.

Excessive importance

Focuses on the level of importance given.

Disproportionate emphasis

Highlights the imbalance in focus.

Inordinate significance

Stresses the unwarranted level of significance.

Disproportionate consideration

Highlights that the consideration is not well balanced.

Unwarranted consideration

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the attention given.

Unreasonable emphasis

Highlights the illogical nature of the emphasis.

Exaggerated importance

Indicates an overstatement of importance.

Undeserved prominence

Focuses on the lack of merit for the prominence given.

Overstated significance

Suggests an inflated level of significance.

FAQs

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

Use "undue weight" to indicate that something is given more importance or consideration than it deserves. For example, "The judge felt that the evidence was given "undue weight" by the jury".

What's a good alternative to "undue weight"?

Alternatives include "excessive importance", "disproportionate emphasis", or "inordinate significance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "due weight" instead of "undue weight"?

"Due weight" means giving something the appropriate level of importance, while "undue weight" means giving something too much importance. They have opposite meanings.

What is the difference between "undue weight" and "excessive weight"?

While both imply an imbalance, "undue weight" often refers to abstract concepts like evidence or opinions, whereas "excessive weight" can also refer to physical heaviness. Context is key in determining which term is most appropriate.