was heavy with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was heavy with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, atmosphere, or feeling that is filled with a particular emotion or quality, often implying a sense of weight or significance. Example: "The air was heavy with anticipation as the crowd waited for the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was heavy with gym-trained muscle.

The New Yorker

The gathering was heavy with symbolism.

The New Yorker

Traffic was heavy with commuters.

The New Yorker

She was heavy with child.

The Guardian - Books

The air was heavy with missed opportunity.

The New York Times

His bandoleer was heavy with bullets.

The New York Times

Nearby, Battery Park was heavy with history but otherwise empty.

The New York Times

Everyone appeared casual, but the air was heavy with tension.

The New Yorker

The air was heavy with sweet, rotting guavas.

The New York Times - Travel

I was heavy with the weight of it.

The Guardian

Last year's Queen's speech was heavy with proposals on crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was heavy with", consider the connotations of 'heavy'. Is it meant to be oppressive, significant, or simply descriptive?

Common error

Avoid using "was heavy with" when simply describing physical weight. Opt for more direct phrases like "weighed a lot" or "was very heavy" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was heavy with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state or condition. It indicates that the noun is not just filled with something but also burdened or significantly affected by it, creating a sense of weight or importance. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was heavy with" is a versatile phrase used to describe something burdened or filled with a particular quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in diverse contexts, especially within news and media. The phrase conveys more than simple content; it implies a weight, burden, or significance carried by the subject. While appropriate for both physical and emotional contexts, avoid overusing it for literal descriptions of weight where simpler alternatives suffice. Remember to consider the connotations of "heavy" and choose accordingly to achieve the desired emotional effect. Related alternatives includes "was laden with", "was filled with", and "was saturated with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was laden with

Replaces "heavy" with "laden", suggesting a strong sense of being burdened or filled to capacity.

was filled with

A more straightforward alternative, focusing on the state of being completely full of something.

was saturated with

Implies a complete permeation or infusion of something, often used for sensory experiences or emotions.

was imbued with

Suggests that something is deeply permeated or filled with a particular quality or characteristic.

was thick with

Indicates a high concentration or presence of something, often used for tangible or atmospheric elements.

was overflowing with

Emphasizes an abundance or excessive amount of something.

was abundant in

Highlights the presence of something in great quantity, emphasizing richness and availability.

was rich in

Indicates a high concentration of a particular element or quality, suggesting value or benefit.

was burdened by

Focuses on the negative aspect of carrying something heavy, highlighting the weight or difficulty.

was oppressed by

Suggests an overwhelming or burdensome presence of something, often with negative emotional or psychological implications.

FAQs

How can I use "was heavy with" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe something burdened or filled with a particular quality, emotion, or substance. For example, "The air "was heavy with" the smell of pine" or "Her heart "was heavy with" sorrow."

What are some alternatives to "was heavy with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was laden with", "was filled with", or "was saturated with" to express a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "was filled with" instead of "was heavy with"?

While both phrases can convey a sense of fullness, ""was heavy with"" often implies a burden or significance that "was filled with" may not. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to communicate.

Can "was heavy with" refer to both physical and emotional burdens?

Yes, this phrase is versatile and can be used in both contexts. For physical burdens, it might describe something literally weighty; for emotional burdens, it describes feelings of sadness, guilt, or stress.