a weaker rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weaker rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lower or less favorable rate in contexts such as finance, economics, or performance metrics. Example: "The company reported a weaker rate of growth this quarter compared to the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, production increased more slowly than in July, and factories added jobs at a weaker rate.

The New York Times

Not even Hungary's new prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, who pleaded for a weaker rate on October 1st, can talk it down.Why is it so strong?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the other hand, the shared emotions in the two player trials had a weaker rating than did their single player correspondent: relief was stronger than shared relief (WSRT, Z = 4.62, P<0.001), and regret was stronger than shared regret (WSRT, Z = 4.12, P<0.001, see Tables S2 and S3 for all tests).

Plosone

The economy grew at a weak rate of 0.9percentt in the first quarter after shrinking in the last three months of 2007.

The New York Times

In either case, a weak rating costs money.This leads to a second worry: that a poor credit rating will ultimately undermine a financial firm's ability to provide finance.

The Economist

That way, banks and others issuing bonds — companies and states, for instance — wouldn't be surprised by a weak rating that could make it harder to sell the bonds or that would require them to offer a higher interest rate.

The New York Times

Eight studies were assessed as moderate in quality; one study was given a weak rating.

SSM - Population Health

In the instance that authors of those studies did not respond, the (undescribed) component was given a weak rating.

BMC Public Health

The most common reasons for a weak rating were high attrition, lack of assessor and/or participant blinding, and selection bias.

BMC Public Health

A weak rating was allocated to the data collection component for this study as we were unable to determine from the paper whether the data collection tools/methods were reliable and valid.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Among the G7 industrial nations, only Italy has had a weaker growth rate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weaker rate", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured. For example, specify if it refers to growth, exchange, or inflation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a weaker rate" without providing specific details about the subject. Simply stating that there is "a weaker rate" is not descriptive enough; clarify what the rate pertains to, such as "a weaker growth rate" or "a weaker exchange rate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weaker rate" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "weaker" modifies the noun "rate". It indicates a reduced or less favorable level of something, such as growth or performance, as Ludwig AI confirms. The term "rate" in itself acts as noun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weaker rate" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate a decline or reduction in a specific metric, such as economic growth or exchange rates. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings.

While the phrase is broadly applicable, it's important to provide context and specify the subject matter to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a lower rate" or "a reduced rate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By clarifying the subject and using appropriate alternatives, you can ensure your writing is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lower rate

Emphasizes the reduction in numerical value or intensity.

a reduced rate

Focuses on the action of decreasing the rate.

a slower pace

Highlights a reduction in the speed or tempo.

a diminished rate

Indicates a lessening or weakening of the rate.

a less intense rate

Focuses on the reduced intensity of the rate.

a milder rate

Suggests a gentler or less severe rate.

a softer rate

Implies a less forceful or impactful rate.

a gentler rate

Similar to milder, suggests a less harsh or abrupt change in rate.

a declining rate

Highlights the downward trend of the rate.

a decreased rate

Focuses on the factual reduction of the rate.

FAQs

How can I use "a weaker rate" in a sentence?

You can use "a weaker rate" to describe a decline or reduction in various contexts, such as economic growth, currency exchange, or production output. For example, "The company reported "a weaker rate" of growth this quarter".

What is the difference between "a weaker rate" and "a slower rate"?

"A weaker rate" generally implies a reduction in strength or intensity, while "a slower rate" refers specifically to a reduction in speed or pace. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize intensity or speed.

What are some alternatives to "a weaker rate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a lower rate", "a reduced rate", or "a diminished rate". Consider the nuance you want to convey when selecting an alternative.

Is it more appropriate to say "a weak rate" or "a weaker rate"?

"A weak rate" and ""a weaker rate"" can both be correct, but "weaker" implies a comparison or a change from a previous state, whereas "weak" simply describes the current state. "Weaker" is often used when contrasting with a prior, stronger rate.