weigh

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "weigh" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the heaviness of something or someone, and when considering a decision or option, as in "weighing all the pros and cons." For example, you could say "I need to weigh all my options before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The monkey must weigh more than the cat itself.

The Guardian

Weight Watchers recommends that you weigh yourself once a week, while some dieting sites suggest throwing away your scales so as not to become demoralised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So should you weigh yourself more often or do you have better things to do?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of the individual blocks, finished by hand on site, weigh up to half a tonne.

The Guardian

Pontius went on: "The responsibility – his alone – for so horrific a crime will, I imagine, weigh heavily upon his conscience for the rest of his life.

The Guardian

Before the execution, White House press secretary Jay Carney said: "It is not appropriate for the president of the United States to weigh in on specific cases like this one, which is a state prosecution".

The Guardian

Analysts see little chance of that pattern changing in coming months as continued troubles among the UK's key trading partner, the eurozone, and a slowdown in China weigh on exports.

The Guardian - Business

Current AFP guidelines allow cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies before someone is charged with offences that could lead to the death penalty, but senior managers must weigh up factors before approving such contact.

The Guardian

Thiam said: "Very low long-term interest rates weigh on long-term investment," warning of a downward "spiral of low income and lower growth".

The Guardian - Business

They weigh up to 65 tonnes each and the site is estimated to be at least 4,800 years old.

The Guardian - Travel

It would also be a short term one, though, and Australia have to weigh up instant feelgood factor against a long-term strategy of improvement before they dive back in with Hiddink.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weigh" in the context of decision-making, clearly identify the factors being considered to enhance the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "weigh" when a more direct verb like "consider", "assess", or "evaluate" would make your writing more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weigh" is as a verb. It is used to describe the act of determining the weight of something, considering options, or having influence. Ludwig AI confirms this is a usable and correct verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "weigh" functions primarily as a verb, denoting the act of determining weight, considering options, or exerting influence. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from determining physical mass to evaluating abstract concepts. The examples show it's very common in "News & Media". While "weigh" enjoys widespread use, it's important to select the most appropriate synonym – such as "consider" or "evaluate" – to ensure concision and impact. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "weigh" enables more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the weight

Specifically refers to finding out how heavy something is, the most literal sense of "weigh".

consider

Emphasizes careful thought and deliberation, much like weighing pros and cons.

take into account

Highlights the inclusion of certain factors in a decision or evaluation, mirroring the act of weighing different considerations.

assess

Focuses on evaluating the importance or value of something, similar to weighing options or factors.

ponder

Focuses on deep and prolonged thought, as if carefully weighing different aspects of a matter.

judge

Implies forming an opinion or conclusion after considering relevant information, similar to weighing evidence.

evaluate

Stresses a more formal or systematic appraisal, akin to weighing evidence or arguments.

estimate

Suggests making an approximate calculation or assessment, like weighing potential outcomes.

appraise

Emphasizes a formal evaluation of worth or merit, comparable to weighing the value of different assets.

measure

Highlights the act of determining the quantity or extent of something, comparable to weighing an object.

FAQs

How can I use "weigh" in a sentence?

You can use "weigh" to describe determining the heaviness of something, as in "The package did not "weigh more than" five pounds". You can also use it metaphorically, as in "The committee must "weigh the evidence" carefully before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to the word "weigh"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "consider", "evaluate", "assess", or "measure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "weigh up" instead of "weigh"?

"Weigh up" is a phrasal verb that means to consider and compare different options before making a decision. While grammatically correct, it's slightly more informal than simply using "weigh".

What does it mean to "weigh in" on a topic?

To "weigh in" on a topic means to offer your opinion or contribute to a discussion, especially when your opinion is considered important or influential. It implies adding weight to the conversation.