weigh against

USAGE SUMMARY

"weigh against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the negative or unfavorable aspects of a situation or decision. It can also be used to describe the disadvantages or drawbacks of a particular option or course of action. Example: The benefits of the new policy outweigh its drawbacks, but we must also consider the potential consequences that weigh against it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both of these factors weigh against a prosecution.

The Guardian

It may well fall further over the coming year.Two factors weigh against the dollar.

The Economist

All of these are historic mistakes, and will, justly, weigh against Bush's reputation.

The New York Times

Of course, considerations of time, practicality and law weigh against the idea of a revote.

The New York Times

Papal politics may weigh against a Hispanic candidate as Benedict's successor.

The Guardian

These are the practical pitfalls to weigh against the advantages you quote.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have five years of information to weigh against 2,000 years of history or more.

The Guardian

Still, he added, taxes "are a detriment" and "a cost that you have to weigh against the benefits".

The New York Times

It is not only slavery that should weigh against many rich countries in a court of law.

The Guardian

Other considerations must weigh against the suspected witch, "inasmuch as 'tis an undoubted and a notorious thing" that a devil might impersonate an innocent, even virtuous, man.

The New Yorker

May he invoke rules of evidence to exclude points that would weigh against his case but that he considers to be true or probably true?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weigh against", clearly identify the specific factors or considerations being negatively compared or evaluated. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "weigh against" when you mean to express an opinion or provide input on a topic. "Weigh in on" is the correct phrase for offering your perspective, whereas "weigh against" indicates a negative influence or disadvantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weigh against" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that certain factors have a negative influence or act as a disadvantage. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses opposition or detraction. The numerous examples available in Ludwig demonstrates its active use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weigh against" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that conveys the idea of negative influence or disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to evaluate factors, highlighting potential drawbacks. While "weigh against" is valuable for nuanced communication, be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like "weigh in on", which has a different meaning. Understanding its proper usage will improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

count against

This alternative focuses on the impact of something negative influencing a decision or outcome.

argue against

This phrase emphasizes the act of presenting reasons or evidence to oppose something.

militate against

This suggests a strong influence working to prevent a particular result.

work against

Highlights the active opposition or hindrance provided by a factor.

be detrimental to

Focuses on the damaging or harmful effect of something.

detract from

Implies a reduction in value or importance due to a specific element.

tip the scales against

This alternative suggests influencing the outcome negatively or unfavorably.

put in a bad light

This emphasizes the negative perception or impression something creates.

disadvantage

This describes the condition of being in an unfavorable situation.

be to someone's disadvantage

This emphasizes the negative impact on someone.

FAQs

How to use "weigh against" in a sentence?

Use "weigh against" to indicate that certain factors or considerations detract from or argue against a particular decision, action, or outcome. For example, "The high cost may "count against" the project's approval".

What can I say instead of "weigh against"?

You can use alternatives like ""count against"", "argue against", or "militate against" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "weigh against" and "weigh in on"?

"Weigh against" indicates a negative influence or disadvantage, while "weigh in on" means to express an opinion or provide input.

Which is correct, "weigh against" or "weight against"?

"Weigh against" is the correct phrase. "Weight against" is grammatically incorrect in this context.