a comparatively weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comparatively weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the strength or effectiveness of something in relation to another. Example: "The new model is a comparatively weak version of its predecessor, lacking several key features."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Our TG system effectively detected responses to environmental estrogens (NP and BPA) of a comparatively weak potency compared with steroidal estrogens, and tissue response patterns differed for the different estrogens tested.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The Bush administration is in a comparatively weak position because it has not demonstrated a serious interest in dialogue.

The New York Times

It feels oddly as though Apple is imagining a Flash drive-based machine able to run Snow Leopard, with a comparatively weak processor that uses the GPU to hide the fact.

The Guardian - Tech

Winning the top spot for a third week in a row, Avengers: Age of Ultron dominated a comparatively weak frame, with no major Hollywood blockbusters arriving to offer decent competition for the Marvel franchise picture.

The Guardian - Film

"It's been small-bore stuff for the most part and the average voter is saying, 'What's this got to do with me?'" The Los Angeles mayor presides over a budget that exceeds $7bn, but it is a comparatively weak office hemmed in by a powerful City Council.

The Guardian

Between the limited customer base of Sprint and a comparatively weak marketing effort, Pre sales languished.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Shares of UBS, meanwhile, rose a comparatively weaker 1.6%, to 20.40 Swiss francs ($18.01).

Forbes

A comparatively weaker CAPE is also observed from 1986 to 1995, with an exception of around 1992 (strong ENSO year).

Earth, Planets and Space

Our MANOVA results also indicated that there were significant effects of both FIVC and PLV infection on day 52 and a comparatively weaker role of the FIVC infection at day 59, both of which are consistent with the LDA findings.

Plosone

Application of 145 bp nucleosome size to the most interior Exo III pauses at -20 bp on the bottom strand and +25 bp on the top strand (a comparatively weaker pause at 152 bp size DNA in lanes 6 8, panel A) would place the ends of the two nucleosomes at +125 and -120 bp, respectively, (positions 11 and 6, Table 1) at the extreme ends of this DNA (panel E).

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The enthusiasm for foreign investment a decade ago turned out to be a mistake, as comparatively weak American markets took off and handily beat most other markets throughout the 1990's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a comparatively weak" when you want to emphasize that something is less strong or effective than something else you are comparing it to. It's best suited for situations where a direct comparison is relevant.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many comparative adjectives in your writing. Overusing phrases like "a comparatively weak" can make your writing sound convoluted. Opt for simpler, more direct language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comparatively weak" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a relative degree of weakness, suggesting that something is less strong or effective than something else. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a comparatively weak" is used to describe something that is less strong or effective when compared to something else. It is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly science, news, and general writing, according to Ludwig AI. While "a comparatively weak" isn't exceedingly common, it provides a nuanced way to highlight relative deficiencies, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Alternatives such as "relatively feeble" or "moderately ineffective" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively feeble

Focuses more on the feebleness or frailty.

somewhat fragile

Emphasizes the fragility or vulnerability.

moderately ineffective

Highlights the lack of effectiveness or impact.

noticeably deficient

Points out a clear deficiency or shortcoming.

measurably inferior

Indicates an inferiority that can be quantified.

distinctly underpowered

Specifically refers to a lack of power or capability.

comparatively substandard

Highlights that something is below the expected standard when compared.

slightly underwhelming

Emphasizes the lack of impressiveness or excitement.

marginally inadequate

Suggests that something barely meets the required standards.

relatively limited

Focuses on the restricted nature or scope of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a comparatively weak" in a sentence?

You can use "a comparatively weak" to describe something that is less potent or effective than something else. For example: "This new vaccine offers a "comparatively weak" protection against the virus, compared to the previous version."

What are some alternatives to using "a comparatively weak"?

Alternatives include "relatively feeble", "somewhat fragile", or "moderately ineffective". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a comparatively weaker" instead of "a comparatively weak"?

While "a comparatively weaker" is grammatically acceptable, it can sound redundant. Using "a comparatively weak" is often more concise and equally effective in conveying the intended meaning.

When is it best to use "a comparatively weak" over simply saying "weak"?

Use "a comparatively weak" when you want to explicitly draw a comparison. If the weakness is inherent and doesn't need to be compared to anything else, "weak" alone may suffice. But if you want to highlight the relative deficiency, "a comparatively weak" is more appropriate.