weighed heavily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weighed heavily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant emotional or psychological impact on someone, often in a serious context. Example: "The decision to move away from my hometown weighed heavily on my mind for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Injuries weighed heavily.

The Guardian - Sport

"That weighed heavily on him.

The New York Times

"His decision weighed heavily in the decision".

The New York Times - Sports

The prospect weighed heavily on her.

The New York Times

Coming up a loser weighed heavily.

The New York Times - Sports

But Nina weighed heavily on his mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Has his father's reputation ever weighed heavily?

The Guardian - Film

The singularities of our family life weighed heavily.

The New York Times

The Libya experience weighed heavily in Russia's Security Council veto.

The New York Times

Cable shows weighed heavily in the Emmy nominations.

The New York Times

His rapport with Billups weighed heavily in his hiring.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weighed heavily" to convey a sense of significant emotional or psychological impact, particularly when describing difficult decisions, responsibilities, or concerns. This phrase adds depth and gravity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "weighed heavily" in situations where the impact is trivial or insignificant. This can create a mismatch in tone and diminish the phrase's effect. Instead, use less dramatic phrasing for minor concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weighed heavily" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe something that has a significant emotional or psychological impact on a person or situation. Ludwig examples show it expressing a burden or serious consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weighed heavily" is a versatile verb phrase used to express that something had a significant emotional or psychological impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, its tone suits neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives include "had a significant impact" or "was a major consideration", but these alternatives may lack the specific nuance of emotional burden carried by "weighed heavily". When writing, ensure the context warrants the gravity the phrase implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a significant impact

Focuses on the impact rather than the burden.

was a major consideration

Highlights the importance in decision-making.

bore down on

Emphasizes the oppressive nature of the burden.

preyed on someone's mind

Emphasizes the mental burden and worry.

had a considerable influence

Highlights influence, less emotional weight.

was a crucial factor

Emphasizes importance, less emotional weight.

rested heavily upon

More formal and emphasizes the burden of responsibility.

played a key role

Highlights the active role, less about burden.

was of great concern

Focuses on the concern aspect, less on the weight.

was a primary concern

Highlights the concern aspect, less on the weight.

FAQs

How can I use "weighed heavily" in a sentence?

You can use "weighed heavily" to describe something that had a significant impact on someone's thoughts or feelings. For example, "The responsibility of leading the team "weighed heavily" on her shoulders."

What are some alternatives to "weighed heavily"?

Alternatives include "had a significant impact", "was a major consideration", or "preyed on someone's mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "weighed heavily" in formal writing?

Yes, "weighed heavily" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious topics or significant decisions. Its use can add a sense of gravity and importance to the subject matter.

What's the difference between "weighed heavily" and "influenced heavily"?

"Weighed heavily" implies a burden or significant emotional impact, while "influenced heavily" suggests a strong effect on a decision or outcome. The former is more about emotional or psychological burden, and the latter is about impact on a process or decision.