a small weakening of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small weakening of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor reduction in strength, intensity, or effectiveness of something. Example: "The recent changes in policy have resulted in a small weakening of the company's overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Indeed, our calculations only find a small weakening of the power factor (S2G).

Nanoscale Research Letters

To quantify even a small weakening of the binding caused by phosphorylation of S776 we measured the dissociation constants (Kd) by Iso-Thermal Calorimetry (ITC).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On the other hand, the electron flow toward organic molecule is slighter than without CO, what results in a smaller weakening of CC bond in benzene and CO in acetone.

Catalysis Today

The D831E-Q832Del mutation would shift the helical groove over the remaining 104 amino acids of this segment of the coil, but produced only a small, localized weakening of the coils.

Plosone

In addition, it is impossible to define the minimum amount of graft needed within the femoral tunnel based on the results of this study mainly because the sample size is small, weakening the power of the statistical tests applied.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

It requires surgery to excise the tissue to be used, a process that carries a small risk of weakening the muscles at that site.

The New York Times - Health

In CCP specimens, stress concentration and free-edge effects produced a small level of notch weakening.

Acta Materialia

The addition of a small amount of ZnO weakened the photocatalytic properties of TiO2.

Ceramics International

"A vote for a small party weakens Israel," read the campaign fliers distributed at the party.

The New York Times

When the input power increases, the ultrasound corresponds to inertial cavitation, and the increase in the number of cavitation bubbles leads to a small amount of useful bubbles, weakening the knocking intensity [67].

Nanoscale Research Letters

These profoundly bad policies diminish democracy, and divide our nation, granting rights and powers to a small number of winners, while weakening civil society and reducing the bargaining power of workers around the world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small weakening of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being weakened. Be specific about the affected attribute or quality to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small weakening of" when the actual impact is significant. This phrase implies a minor effect; exaggerating it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small weakening of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a reduction in strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing diminishment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small weakening of" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor reduction in strength, intensity, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for contexts where a nuanced description is needed, emphasizing that the reduction is not substantial. While found in both scientific and news media, it's essential to ensure the context clearly identifies what is being weakened. Remember to avoid overstating the impact and consider alternative phrases like "a slight decrease in" or "a minor reduction of" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease in

Replaces "weakening" with a more direct term for reduction, suitable when quantifying the change.

a minor reduction of

Emphasizes the lessening aspect with a formal tone.

a marginal decline in

Indicates a small and gradual decrease.

a limited attenuation of

Suggests a reduction in intensity or force, often used in technical contexts.

a minimal lessening of

Highlights the small degree of reduction.

a subtle diminution of

Implies a barely perceptible decrease.

a gradual erosion of

Conveys a slow and steady weakening over time.

a trace impairment of

Indicates a slight negative impact or weakening.

a fractional enfeeblement of

Uses a more formal and less common word for weakening.

a nominal compromise of

Implies a slight reduction in quality or effectiveness due to a compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "a small weakening of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small weakening of" to describe a minor reduction in the strength, intensity, or effectiveness of something. For example: "The new policy resulted in "a small weakening of" consumer confidence."

What are some alternatives to "a small weakening of"?

Some alternatives to "a small weakening of" include "a slight decrease in", "a minor reduction of", or "a marginal decline in", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small weakening of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small weakening of" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or quantifiable term might be more effective, such as "a minor reduction of" or "a slight decrease in".

What's the difference between "a small weakening of" and "a significant weakening of"?

"A small weakening of" indicates a minor or negligible reduction, while "a significant weakening of" implies a substantial and noticeable decrease. The choice depends on the actual degree of weakening you want to convey.