weigh down

USAGE SUMMARY

"weigh down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is burdened or loaded with something heavy, usually figuratively speaking. For example, "The worries of the day seemed to weigh down on him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Massive stone scrolls weigh down the walls.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet failures weigh down his legacy.

The Guardian

2. Too much dressing will weigh down your value proposition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Without effort, textbooks do little but weigh down backpacks.

The New York Times

Will they bolster or weigh down national economies?

The Guardian

While these instruments weigh down bank balance sheets, uncertainty increases.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do not use too much styling product, it will weigh down your hair.

WikiHow

I fixed it as much as I could with some stones to weigh down the gun".

The New York Times

The lingering effects of the housing crisis continue to weigh down the rest of the economy.

The New Yorker

He figured that a heavier glove would weigh down his hands just an instant longer.

The New York Times - Sports

Place a pan on top of fish, and weigh down with cans or bricks.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weigh down" to describe both physical and emotional burdens. For instance, you can "weigh down" a package with stones or say that worries "weigh down" your spirit.

Common error

Avoid using "weigh down" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "burden" or "stress" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "weigh down" primarily functions to describe the act of adding weight to something, either physically or metaphorically, causing it to be burdened or oppressed. Ludwig AI indicates it's commonly used, signifying its functional role in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "weigh down" is a versatile term used to describe both physical and emotional burdens. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Primarily appearing in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase conveys the impact of a load, whether it's rocks securing a tarp or stress affecting someone's well-being. While suitable for formal and informal contexts, overuse in casual conversation should be avoided for a more natural tone. Alternatives like "burden" or "oppress" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burden

A more general term indicating something heavy to carry, either physically or emotionally; can be used where "weigh down" implies a significant negative impact.

oppress

Suggests a heavier, more forceful imposition that "weigh down", often implying a sense of injustice or abuse of power.

burden someone

Focuses specifically on the act of imposing a load on someone, which is a more interpersonal nuance not always present with "weigh down".

encumber

Indicates a restriction of movement or action, broader than just physical weight; suits situations where progress is impeded.

load down

Emphasis on the act of applying a load, typically physically, onto something, while "weigh down" can be more figurative.

press down

Focuses on the downward force exerted, useful when literal physical pressure is more relevant than the resulting burden.

drag down

Highlights the effect of something pulling downwards, often suggesting a decline in status or mood, more negative than simply "weigh down".

hamper

Indicates impediment or hindrance, which may or may not involve weight but always restricts progress.

inhibit

Suggests a restraint on natural impulses or processes, which isn't inherent in the idea of "weigh down"; useful for psychological or physiological contexts.

strain

Focuses on the exertion caused by bearing weight, whether literal or figurative, highlighting the stress involved.

FAQs

How can I use "weigh down" in a sentence?

You can use "weigh down" to describe something physical like, "I used rocks to weigh down the tarp". You can also use it figuratively, such as, "The stress of the project began to weigh down on her".

What does it mean when something "weighs down" on you?

When something "weighs down" on you, it means it is causing you stress, anxiety, or emotional burden. It suggests a heavy or oppressive feeling that affects your mood or well-being.

What are some alternatives to "weigh down"?

Alternatives include "burden", "oppress", or "encumber", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "weight down" the same as "weigh down"?

"Weight down" is sometimes used colloquially but is generally considered less grammatically correct than "weigh down", which is the established phrasal verb. Therefore "weigh down" is the preferred choice.