weigh up

USAGE SUMMARY

"weigh up" is correct and usable in written English and it means to evaluate or consider the relative importance of different factors before coming to a decision.
For example, "Weighing up the pros and cons, I decided to take the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I weigh up the situation.

The New York Times

It just didn't weigh up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They each weigh up to 50 tons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He stops to weigh up the word.

The Guardian

It's a lot to weigh up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ferguson pauses to weigh up the question.

The Guardian - Sport

Plants can weigh up to two tons.

The New York Times

Crocodile monitors weigh up to 90 kg (nearly 200 pounds).

Britannica

Baby elephants weigh up to 200 pounds at birth.

Independent

They should weigh up to 27kg by now, she said.

Independent

Humboldts can weigh up to a hundred pounds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weigh up", ensure that you are presenting a balanced view of the factors involved. For instance, "Weigh up" the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision to show that you have considered all options.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the "up" in "weigh up". Using only "weigh" changes the meaning to measuring physical weight, not assessing options. Always include "up" to convey the intended meaning of evaluating different aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weigh up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of assessing or evaluating different aspects of a situation before making a decision. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming its correct usage. The examples provided showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "weigh up" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of evaluating different aspects of a situation before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. With numerous examples across diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, it demonstrates its versatility and reliability. "Weigh up" is a valuable tool for clear communication, encouraging balanced consideration and informed decision-making. Remember to always include the "up" and use the phrase when you want to convey a comprehensive assessment of options, pros, and cons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assess

Focuses on evaluating something's value or quality.

evaluate

Implies a more formal or systematic assessment.

consider

Suggests thinking carefully about something.

ponder

Emphasizes deep and careful thought.

deliberate

Highlights the process of careful consideration before a decision.

take into account

Emphasizes including various factors in your consideration.

size up

Suggests a quick assessment of a person or situation.

gauge

Implies measuring or assessing something's level or intensity.

estimate

Focuses on approximating a value or outcome.

appraise

Highlights a formal evaluation of something's worth.

FAQs

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

"Weigh up" is used to describe the process of considering different options or factors before making a decision. For example, "I need to "weigh up" the pros and cons before deciding which job offer to accept."

What's a good alternative to "weigh up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "assess", "evaluate", or "consider" as alternatives to "weigh up".

Is it better to use "weigh up" or "consider"?

While both "weigh up" and "consider" involve thinking about something, "weigh up" specifically implies a balancing of different factors, often pros and cons. "Consider" is more general and simply means to think about something.

What does it mean to "weigh something up"?

To "weigh something up" means to carefully consider all aspects of it, especially the good and bad points, in order to make a judgment or decision. It's similar to saying you are "assessing" or "evaluating" it.