What Does “Weigh against sth” Mean?
“Weigh against sth” means to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something when making a decision. It involves comparing one thing with another to judge which is more important or influential.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Weigh against sth” is often used when deciding between two options. It helps express the idea of balancing positives and negatives to reach a conclusion. Understanding the Weigh against sth meaning is essential for clear communication, especially in discussions, debates, or decision-making contexts. This phrase is common in both spoken and written English and is useful for learners to express comparisons and judgments effectively.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Weigh against something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To compare advantages and disadvantages of something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Weigh against sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot put the object between “weigh” and “against.”
Pattern:
- Subject + weigh + against + object
- Example: The benefits weigh against the risks.
How to Use Weigh against sth?
Use “weigh against sth” when you want to compare the pros and cons or positive and negative aspects of two things. It often appears in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as business, law, or everyday decisions. You can use it to explain why one factor might reduce the value or importance of another.
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using “Weigh against sth in a sentence”:
- The cost of the project must weigh against the potential benefits before we decide.
- Her lack of experience weighs against her application, but her enthusiasm is a strong point.
- When buying a car, the safety features weigh against the price.
- The risks of investing in stocks weigh against the possible high returns.
- The inconvenience of a long commute weighs against the lower rent in that area.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the position of the object or use “weigh” without “against” incorrectly.
- Incorrect: The risks weigh the benefits.
- Correct: The risks weigh against the benefits.
- Incorrect: Weigh the benefits against.
- Correct: Weigh the benefits against the risks.
Differences / Synonyms
“Weigh against sth” is similar to “balance against” or “compare with,” but it specifically implies a judgment of pros and cons.
- Balance against: More about finding equilibrium or equality.
- Compare with: More general, just looking at similarities or differences.
- Weigh against: Focuses on judging advantages versus disadvantages.
Common Collocations
Some common words used with “weigh against” include:
- Benefits: Positive outcomes or advantages.
- Risks: Possible problems or dangers.
- Costs: Financial or time expenses.
- Arguments: Points made for or against something.
- Drawbacks: Negative aspects or disadvantages.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of weigh against sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “weigh against sth”:
Anna: Should I take the new job offer? It pays more but requires longer hours.
Ben: You need to weigh the higher salary against the extra time you’ll spend at work.
Anna: That’s true. More money is good, but I might lose my free time.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
The benefits of online learning _____ the lack of face-to-face interaction.
- a) weigh against
- b) throw away
- c) look after
- d) come across
FAQ
- Q: Can “weigh against” be used in informal speech?
A: Yes, but it is more common in formal or semi-formal contexts. - Q: Is “weigh against” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; the object always comes after “against.” - Q: Can “weigh against” be used with abstract ideas?
A: Yes, you can weigh qualities, risks, benefits, or arguments against each other. - Q: What is a similar phrase to “weigh against”?
A: “Balance against” or “compare with” are similar but slightly different in meaning. - Q: Does “weigh against” always involve negatives?
A: It involves comparing positives and negatives, not only negatives.
