As weak as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As weak as possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to minimize strength or intensity in a particular context, such as in arguments, designs, or physical exertion. Example: "In this experiment, we want to apply a force that is as weak as possible to avoid damaging the materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The banking industry lobbies hard for the rules to be as weak as possible.

The New York Times

Now that's bold thinking – assuming your goal is to keep the economy as weak as possible until Election Day 2012.

The New York Times

The Israeli desire to make the Palestinian state as weak as possible seems to me to be counterproductive.

The Economist

The Bank of Japan has sold trillions of yen to buy dollars because the government wants to keep the yen as weak as possible against the dollar.

The New York Times

Now they know a second round is going to happen, but their goal is to make it as weak as possible".

The New York Times

Along the way, the administration engaged in what Senator Boxer has aptly called a "master plan" to ensure that the E.P.A.'s response to the Supreme Court's decision would be as weak as possible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Out of the remaining 54 singletons, 42 have to be regarded as "weak" (possible) and 12 as "strong" (definitive) singletons, of which 5 are functionally annotated (Table 4).

BMC Genomics

The intervention is aimed at keeping Japan's export business competitive abroad by maintaining as weak a yen as possible against the dollar and other currencies.

The New York Times

Conservative in outlook and desperate to safeguard their own traditions in difficult circumstances, the French universities are impatient to winnow out the weak students as quickly as possible, the sooner to get on with the business of being proper universities.

The Economist

Although this ruse of leading your weakest suit as early as possible is well known, it continues to work.

The New York Times

Right now, Tim Geithner is leading the charge to make sure the regulators are as weak and banker-friendly as possible -- as usual.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for minimal intervention, clarify the reasoning to avoid misinterpretations. For example, specify, "We aim for an intervention that is as weak as possible to minimize side effects."

Common error

Avoid using "as weak as possible" without specifying the context. For example, don't just say "Make the solution as weak as possible." Instead, provide specifics: "Make the saline solution as weak as possible to reduce irritation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as weak as possible" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the degree to which something should be weakened or minimized. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as weak as possible" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying the need to minimize strength or intensity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used to mitigate negative consequences or side effects across various contexts, including news, science, and general usage. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to specify the context to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "as minimal as feasible" or "to the smallest extent possible" can offer a more formal tone, depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As weak as can reasonably be

Indicates that while weakness is desired, reasonableness must be considered.

As minimal as feasible

Emphasizes the practicality and achievability of minimizing something.

As impotent as reasonably possible

Emphasizes the absence of power or influence, within reasonable limits.

As slight as can be

Highlights the smallness of the magnitude or intensity.

As reduced as it could be

Focuses on the action of reducing something to its lowest possible state.

As low as achievable

Highlights that the minimization must be realistically attainable.

To the smallest extent possible

Emphasizes the limitation of impact to the lowest level.

As negligible as feasible

Highlights the goal of making something of little consequence.

As insignificant as attainable

Emphasizes the intention of making something nearly negligible.

As unobtrusive as you can

Highlights the intention of making something hardly noticeable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "As weak as possible" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "As minimal as feasible", "To the smallest extent possible", or "As negligible as attainable" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to aim for something to be "As weak as possible"?

Aiming for something to be "As weak as possible" means striving to reduce its intensity, impact, or effect to the lowest practical level, often to minimize unwanted consequences or side effects.

Is it always desirable for something to be "As weak as possible"?

No, it's not always desirable. The appropriateness of aiming for something to be "As weak as possible" depends entirely on the context and the desired outcome. For instance, in medicine, a treatment might be "As weak as possible" to reduce side effects, but in construction, you wouldn't want materials to be "as weak as possible".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "As weak as possible"?

It's appropriate when you want to minimize an effect, force, or intensity while still achieving a necessary or desired outcome. For example, "Use the mildest detergent that is "as weak as possible" to clean delicate fabrics."