To weaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To weaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making something less strong or less effective. Example: "The new policy is expected to weaken the company's competitive position in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes it seems to weaken.

The New York Times - Books

Japanese small-business sentiment continues to weaken.

The New York Times

He did his best to weaken them.

The Economist

It squanders an opportunity to weaken Iran.

The New York Times

Indiana is weighing proposals to weaken unions.

The New York Times

Not to soften or to weaken.

The New York Times

His body continued to weaken.

The New York Times

Then Gebrselassie began to weaken.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not going to weaken the church".

The New York Times

The plane crash helped to weaken sentiment.

The Guardian - Business

That's going to weaken growth even more".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "To weaken", consider the specific aspect of strength you want to convey – physical strength, political power, economic stability, etc. Using more specific verbs can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "To weaken" as a default verb for any kind of reduction. Ensure the context truly implies a loss of strength or efficacy, rather than simply a change or decrease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To weaken" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. It serves to express the action of making something or someone less strong, less effective, or less capable. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "To weaken" is a versatile infinitive phrase that describes the process of making something less strong or effective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources. While it's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, consider the specific nuance you intend to convey and explore related phrases like "to undermine" or "to diminish" for greater precision. Avoid overuse in general contexts, and remember that effective writing involves choosing the most accurate verb to reflect the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To undermine

Focuses on gradually eroding the foundation or effectiveness of something, often subtly.

To diminish

Emphasizes a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

To erode

Implies a gradual wearing away, often of power or influence.

To impair

Highlights a reduction in function or ability.

To compromise

Suggests a weakening through concessions or damage.

To attenuate

Indicates a reduction in intensity or force.

To deflate

Implies a loss of confidence or energy.

To sap

Focuses on gradually draining energy or resources.

To cripple

Emphasizes a severe weakening or disabling effect.

To soften

Suggests making something less harsh or forceful.

FAQs

How can I use "To weaken" in a sentence?

The phrase "To weaken" can be used to describe the action of making something less strong or effective. For example: "The new regulations aim to "to weaken" the power of monopolies."

What are some alternatives to "To weaken"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to undermine", "to diminish", or "to erode" instead of "To weaken".

Is it better to say "To weaken" or "To make weaker"?

"To weaken" is generally more concise and direct. "To make weaker" can be used for emphasis or in contexts where the process of weakening is highlighted. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "To weaken" and "To reduce"?

"To weaken" specifically implies a loss of strength or effectiveness, while "to reduce" simply means to decrease in quantity or size. The choice depends on whether the context involves a reduction in strength or simply a reduction in amount.