a little feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, lacking strength, or ineffective in a mild manner. Example: "His argument was a little feeble, failing to convince anyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Beyond that appeal to custom, the arguments against enrolling noncitizens get a little feeble.

The New York Times

The Mostly Mozart orchestra cannot be called a crack ensemble (the horns, in particular, sounded a little feeble at times), but it is making strides in its second year with Mr. Langrée as music director and it responded to his conducting with alertness and enthusiasm.

The New York Times - Arts

If your list is still looking a little feeble, then I would call the local careers companies (look under Careers Advice in the Yellow Pages), formally local authority careers services which now operate as commercial organisations.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

'Get a little more feeble, Melvin, and we'll recognize you.' Right now I'm a little too dangerous.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't know whether it's from getting older or wiser or a little more feeble-minded".

The New York Times

Likewise, even Dylan's greatest songs can look a little flat and feeble on the page.

The New Yorker

At the time, laws in the Bahamas were being tightened a little, following a feeble global crackdown, and she moved sideways in the bank to work as a compliance officer.

The Guardian

In the First World War, there was a little German soldier, feeble and mentally unstable.

WikiHow

It was close enough to the truth to be funny -- remember Jesus, CEO? -- and also close enough to be a little pathetic about the feeble creativity of most business books.

Huffington Post

True, a real growth rate of 7.5% looks a little too lively given sluggish car sales, feeble demand for credit, and the soggy revenue growth reported by many big listed firms.

The Economist

This bit of acting pleased him: a little power play — letting the two women, suppliants in this matter of artwork, think that he was feebler than he was.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little feeble", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of weakness or ineffectiveness. It's suitable for situations where you want to soften the criticism or indicate a minor flaw.

Common error

Avoid using "a little feeble" in highly formal or professional settings where more direct and specific language is preferred. Instead, opt for terms like "somewhat weak" or "slightly inadequate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little feeble" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or idea to indicate a mild degree of weakness or ineffectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The examples show it describing arguments, orchestras, and lists, softening the criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little feeble" is a phrase used to describe something that is mildly weak or ineffective. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, it's essential to consider the register and audience to ensure it is appropriate. Avoid overusing the phrase in highly formal or professional settings where more direct language may be preferred. Related alternatives like "somewhat weak" or "slightly frail" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch weak

Replaces "little" with "touch", offering a more subtle variation.

somewhat weak

Replaces "a little feeble" with a more direct adjective to indicate mild weakness.

slightly frail

Substitutes "feeble" with "frail", emphasizing physical weakness or delicacy.

a bit flimsy

Uses "flimsy" instead of "feeble", suggesting a lack of substance or strength.

rather unconvincing

Focuses on the lack of persuasiveness rather than inherent weakness.

marginally ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of effectiveness, indicating a minimal degree of failure.

somewhat inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency or lack of suitability.

slightly deficient

Indicates a minor shortcoming or lack of quality.

barely adequate

Focuses on the idea that something barely meets the required standard.

a shade powerless

Indicates a minimal degree of lack of power.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little feeble" to describe something that is mildly weak or ineffective. For example, "His excuse for being late sounded "a little feeble"".

What are some alternatives to "a little feeble"?

Alternatives to "a little feeble" include "somewhat weak", "slightly frail", or "a bit flimsy", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a little feeble" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a little feeble" might be too informal for some formal writing. Consider using a more precise term like "somewhat inadequate" or "slightly ineffective" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a little feeble" and "very weak"?

"A little feeble" suggests a mild degree of weakness, while "very weak" indicates a significant lack of strength or effectiveness. The former is less severe than the latter.