weigh on

USAGE SUMMARY

"weigh on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling or emotion that creates a burden for someone or something. For example, You could say, "The guilt was weighing on her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Did it weigh on me?

The New York Times - Sports

The threat seemed to weigh on Obama.

The New York Times

Did that weigh on your mind?

The New York Times

It seemed to weigh on the crowd.

The New York Times

This attitude must weigh on their relationship.

The New York Times

"It won't weigh on me," Collins said.

The New York Times - Sports

But the costs weigh on her.

The New York Times

"Don't let it weigh on your conscience".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Anticompetitive behavior can weigh on wages too.

The New York Times

It began to weigh on his conscience.

The New York Times - Sports

Other anxieties weigh on him, too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of external factors, make sure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Instead of 'The economy weighed on', specify 'The economic uncertainty weighed on investor confidence'.

Common error

Avoid using "weigh on" when describing simple physical weight. This phrase is more appropriate for emotional or metaphorical burdens, not literal ones. Instead of 'The heavy box weighed on the shelf', consider 'The heavy box sat on the shelf'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weigh on" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it commonly describes how something, often intangible like stress or responsibility, can negatively affect or burden an individual or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "weigh on" is a very common and correct English expression used to describe something that burdens or negatively influences someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It frequently appears in News & Media, as well as Wiki, and maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts. When using "weigh on", ensure it's referring to an emotional or psychological burden, not a physical one, and be clear about what is being affected. Consider alternative phrases like "burden" or "influence" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burden

Focuses on the sense of something heavy or oppressive.

preoccupy

Emphasizes the state of being mentally absorbed or troubled.

influence

Highlights the effect something has on a situation or person.

affect

Indicates the act of producing an effect or change in someone or something.

impact

Focuses on the powerful or major influence of something.

oppress

Conveys a sense of being heavily burdened or unjustly treated.

hang heavy

Captures the feeling of something lingering and causing distress.

press down

Describes the feeling of being suppressed or burdened.

trouble

Highlights the act of causing distress or worry.

dominate

Emphasizes the control or power something has over something else.

FAQs

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

"Weigh on" is used to describe something that burdens or influences someone or something else. For example, "The stress of the project began to weigh on the team's morale."

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

When something "weighs on" you, it means it is causing you stress, worry, or emotional burden. It implies a negative impact on your mental or emotional state.

What can I say instead of "weigh on"?

You can use alternatives like "burden", "preoccupy", or "influence" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "weights on" someone?

No, the correct phrase is "weigh on". The word "weigh" is used as a verb in this context, not as a noun related to physical weight.