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weigh in — join a debate or discussion (figurative)

phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional

to give your opinion or become involved in a discussion, especially one that is already happening or is important.

Say it like a native

Textbook Several experts contributed their views to the ongoing debate.

Native A few experts weighed in on the debate.

'Weigh in' is the natural verb for joining a discussion with your view; the formal version is heavy.

Pattern: weigh in (on something)

In use

  • Several experts weighed in on the proposed changes to the law.communication
  • In my view, it's important for young people to weigh in on issues that affect their future, such as climate change.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ Can I weigh in the discussion?

✓ Can I weigh in on the discussion?

'Weigh in ON' a topic — don't drop 'on'.

Common collocations

  • weigh in + on — on the debate, with an opinion, on the matter, late

Don't confuse it

This sense is figurative and about joining a conversation or debate, not about measuring weight or physical actions.

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