weigh something up

USAGE SUMMARY

"weigh something up" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when considering the pros and cons of a decision or situation. Example: "Before making a final decision, I need to weigh up the options available to me." Alternative expressions include "consider the options" and "evaluate the choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neel Murthy: The biggest hurdle with the real world is that we have physical devices that take up space and weigh something, which obviously presents logistical challenges that traditional companies don't see.

TechCrunch

Individual atoms within the cantilever itself jiggle due to thermal motion, limiting the precision of the measurement; it is like trying to weigh something on a scale that is constantly bumping up and down.

Science Magazine

"He only weighed something like 80 pounds," Mr. Picciolo said.

The New York Times

To pick something up.

The New Yorker

Make something up".

The New Yorker

Just make something up".

The New York Times - Magazine

Was something up there?

The New York Times

He's setting something up.

WikiHow

A cross-government project is weighing up introducing something called Right to Control (RTC), which would give disabled people the chance to cut through the red tape – and direct their support in the way that meets their needs.

The Guardian

"But when you weigh things up, it's probably better that I have a look at something to do in and around the first team.

BBC

But weigh it up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase is separable. You can place the object between 'weigh' and 'up' (e.g., 'weigh the risks up') or after the whole phrasal verb (e.g., 'weigh up the risks').

Common error

Avoid using 'weigh up' when you mean something is causing stress or burdening someone. Use 'weigh on' for heavy burdens (e.g., 'the decision weighed on him') and "weigh up" for analytical evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weigh something up" functions as a transitive phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote the mental process of evaluating information. The verb 'weigh' acts as the base, while the particle 'up' adds a sense of completion or thoroughness to the evaluation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weigh something up" is a versatile and correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of careful evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent presence in reputable sources like The Guardian and BBC, often in the context of sports strategy, scientific measurement or political decision-making. While it is grammatically flexible regarding object placement, it consistently conveys a sense of thoroughness. Whether you are looking to "evaluate the options" in a business meeting or "size up" a situation in a casual conversation, this phrase remains a reliable choice for precise English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider the pros and cons

explicitly mentions the comparison of advantages and disadvantages

evaluate the options

uses more formal vocabulary suitable for business or technical reports

balance the factors

emphasizes the equilibrium between different conflicting elements

assess the situation

focuses on analyzing current circumstances rather than just specific choices

contemplate the choices

focuses on the internal mental state of reflecting on available paths

mull over

suggests a longer, more informal period of deep reflection

ponder the alternatives

carries a slightly more philosophical or meditative tone

size up

more informal and often implies a quick or initial estimation

deliberate on

implies a formal or collective decision-making process

scrutinize the possibilities

suggests a very high level of detail and critical examination

FAQs

How do I use "weigh something up" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an analytical process, such as: "Before accepting the job, I need to "evaluate the options" and "weigh something up" carefully."

What is the difference between "weigh" and "weigh up"?

While 'weigh' can mean measuring physical mass, "weigh up" specifically refers to the figurative assessment of facts or choices. If you are comparing two things, you are more likely to "consider the pros and cons" by weighing them up.

Can I say "weigh up something" instead of "weigh something up"?

Yes, both are correct. However, if 'something' is a long phrase, it is better to place it at the end (e.g., 'weigh up the potential consequences of the new policy') to maintain sentence flow.

Is "weigh something up" formal enough for an essay?

It is generally considered neutral. In a very formal academic paper, you might prefer to "evaluate the options" or "assess the situation".