a feeble step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeble step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in strength or determination. Example: "The company's decision to cut costs was seen as a feeble step towards addressing the larger financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But when Strauss and Hofmannsthal followed that discordant tragedy with Der Rosenkavalier, a bawdy farce with a whimsical streak, many thought the pair had taken a feeble step back from the brink.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Under the headline "The Scene at the Pennsylvania Death Clinic," The New York Post wrote of a 75-year-old woman who "winced at the sting of the hypodermic," then took "a few feeble steps and dropped dead".

The New York Times

Others, however, have pooh-poohed it as another feeble step forward.

Independent

That led to the Kyoto protocol in 1997 – a rather feeble first step to fulfilling that promise.

The Guardian

It was seemingly an ideal environment for Sanchez to regain some confidence as he played in front of a mild-mannered crowd that would not boo his every step, against a feeble defense, and without much competition to replace him.

The New York Times - Sports

Tyson hit Savarese with a stinging left hook just 12 seconds into the fight, stepping aside a feeble jab to strike Savarese on the top of the head at the hairline.

The New York Times - Sports

Locating legal assistance to protect the interests of minority shareholders may seem a feeble effort in the face of huge corporations, but it's a useful step.

WikiHow

I turned and took a few photos of the gate behind me in a feeble attempt to appear as inconspicuous as possible before hurrying up the steps.

Huffington Post

A feeble justification.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this is a feeble dodge.

The Economist

Laura Rogers is a feeble, fledgling Lady Macbeth.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a feeble step", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the weakness or ineffectiveness you intend to convey. Alternatives like "a weak attempt" or "a timid move" may offer a more nuanced description depending on the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeble step" when the action is genuinely strong or effective. Overstating the weakness can undermine your credibility. Ensure the context justifies the use of this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeble step" functions as a noun phrase, where "feeble" modifies the noun "step". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and conveys weakness or ineffectiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a feeble step" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a weak or ineffective action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. While "a feeble step" is not overly common, understanding its nuances and appropriate usage is key to accurately conveying the intended meaning. Consider alternatives such as "a weak attempt" or "a timid move" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weak attempt

Emphasizes the lack of strength or effectiveness in the effort.

a timid move

Highlights the cautious and hesitant nature of the action.

an inadequate measure

Focuses on the insufficiency of the action to achieve the desired outcome.

an insufficient action

Stresses that the action taken is not enough.

a half-hearted effort

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the action.

a tentative advance

Suggests a hesitant and uncertain progression.

a faltering start

Implies an unsteady and unreliable beginning.

a lame effort

Indicates a poor or unconvincing attempt.

a shaky start

Emphasizes the instability and uncertainty of the initial stage.

a minor adjustment

Suggests a small, and possibly insignificant, change.

FAQs

How can I use "a feeble step" in a sentence?

You can use "a feeble step" to describe an action or decision that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in strength. For example: "The company's decision to cut costs was seen as "a feeble step" towards addressing the larger financial crisis."

What are some alternatives to saying "a feeble step"?

You can use alternatives like "a weak attempt", "a timid move", or "an inadequate measure" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a feeble step"?

Yes, "a feeble step" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the action is insufficient or ineffective. It's generally used to express disappointment or criticism.

Can "a feeble step" be used to describe progress?

While "a feeble step" implies movement forward, it emphasizes the slowness and ineffectiveness of that progress. It suggests that the progress is minimal and may not be sufficient to achieve the desired outcome.