What are the definitions of “weigh down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Burden with responsibilities, duties, etc.
The requirements of her new job WEIGHED DOWN ON her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “weigh down on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb weigh down on is to burden someone with responsibilities, duties, or problems. It is often used to describe a situation where someone feels overwhelmed or stressed due to the weight of their obligations.
What are the different verb forms of “weigh down on”?
| Root Verb | weigh down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | weighs down on |
| Present Participle | weighing down on |
| Simple Past | weighed down on |
| Past Participle | weighed down on |
Example
The pressure of the exams is weighing down on the students.
Example
The responsibility of caring for her sick mother weighs down on her.
Example
The financial stress is weighing down on their relationship.
Example
The workload weighed down on him, causing him to feel overwhelmed.
Example
She felt weighed down on by the expectations of her family.
What kind of phrasal verb is “weigh down on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“weigh down on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The stress of the project weighed down on her.
Example
The guilt weighed down on him for years.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“weigh down on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The stress of the project weighed down on her.
Example
The guilt weighed down on him for years.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “weigh down on”?
Good things to know
Does “weigh down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Weigh down on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in written reports or presentations.
