a weak thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks strength, power, or effectiveness, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In the face of adversity, he realized that a weak thing like fear could not hold him back any longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She closed her eyes and hoped — it seemed a weak thing, hope, and it was all she had — with all her heart not.

The New Yorker

It seems like a weak thing to say no to someone we want to impress, but saying no is the strongest thing we can do for ourselves because we take a stand for what we want while delivering the best of what we have within our capabilities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I took hold of the chain in the grip of my two hands and snapped it without even trying (it was nothing, a child's toy, a poor weak thing designed to forestall ordinary men), and then I rolled back the gate on its lubricated rail and in the next moment we were outside in the darkness.

The New Yorker

"The public trust doctrine in the U.S. is a fairly weak thing".

The New York Times

"What a despicable and weak thing to do – risking our defences, risking our country, risking our UK.

The Guardian

She went home in tears, angry but also mortified, wondering whether it was a freakish and weak thing to have done.

The New Yorker

We'll have an informal meet-up and discuss this whole "Wine is weak" thing.

TechCrunch

I don't even say anything, just cock my head sympathetically at the exigencies of politics, that a strong-minded person would have to say such a weak-minded thing.

The Guardian

If they are weak, things are terrible.

The New York Times

On the negative side, autos are sluggish domestically, construction materials for the residential market are pretty weak, things like appliances and furniture are somewhat weak".

The New York Times

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a weak thing" to express vulnerability or lack of power, but consider stronger synonyms depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "a weak thing" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise and impactful language is needed. Opt for terms that clearly define the specific deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak thing" functions as a noun phrase, where "weak" is an adjective modifying the noun "thing". It often serves to describe an abstract concept or entity lacking force or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and versatile.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weak thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to denote a lack of strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and versatile. While suitable for general contexts, including news and media, a more formal or precise term may be preferable in academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "a fragile entity" or "a vulnerable point" to tailor the nuance of your expression. Be mindful of the register and aim for specificity to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile entity

Emphasizes the delicate and easily damaged nature of something.

a vulnerable point

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or attack.

a flimsy object

Focuses on the poor construction and lack of durability.

a feeble attempt

Underlines the ineffectiveness and lack of vigor in an action.

a minor issue

Downplays the significance and impact of a problem.

a frail concept

Suggests the idea lacks a solid foundation and is easily challenged.

a delicate matter

Highlights the need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity or instability.

an inadequate response

Focuses on the insufficient or unsatisfactory nature of a reaction.

a substandard product

Indicates the item fails to meet the required quality or performance standards.

an inferior design

Suggests the plan or structure is of lower quality compared to others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weak thing" to describe something lacking strength or power, as in, "Hope seemed "a weak thing", but it was all she had."

What are some alternatives to "a weak thing"?

Some alternatives include "a fragile entity", "a vulnerable point", or "a flimsy object", depending on the specific context.

Is "a weak thing" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "a weak thing" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise and technical terms to convey your meaning.

What's the difference between "a weak thing" and "a fragile thing"?

"A weak thing" implies a lack of power or strength, while "a fragile thing" suggests something easily broken or damaged. The best choice depends on the specific quality you want to emphasize.