What are the definitions of “weigh up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Assess.
They WEIGHED the pros and cons UP carefully before deciding.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “weigh up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb weigh up is to assess or evaluate something, such as the advantages and disadvantages of a situation or decision. It is often used when making important choices or considering different options.
What are the different verb forms of “weigh up”?
| Root Verb | weigh up |
| Third Person Singular Present | weighs up |
| Present Participle | weighing up |
| Simple Past | weighed up |
| Past Participle | weighed up |
Example
Before making a decision, it's important to weigh up all the options.
Example
She weighs up the benefits and risks before making a choice.
Example
He is weighing up the pros and cons of the job offer.
Example
They weighed up the situation and decided to wait for a better opportunity.
Example
The options have been weighed up, and a decision has been made.
What kind of phrasal verb is “weigh up”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“weigh up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She weighed up the pros and cons before making a decision.
Example
He weighed the situation up carefully.
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 up” 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
She weighed up the pros and cons before making a decision.
Example
He weighed the situation up carefully.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “weigh up”?
Weigh up one's options
To consider and evaluate different choices or alternatives.
Example
She needed to weigh up her options before deciding on a career path.
Good things to know
Does “weigh up” have an informal or formal tone?
Weigh up 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 business meetings, academic discussions, or legal proceedings.
