any weaker than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any weaker than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the strength or effectiveness of two or more things, indicating that one is not less strong than the other. Example: "This argument is not any weaker than the previous one, as both have valid points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

" I don't think that Juche [North Korean communist ideology] ideas are any weaker than the ideas of globalisation".

The Guardian

Is Mr. Wahid's hold on power any weaker than it was last year, despite the communal violence roiling Indonesia?

The New York Times

Indeed, it is hard to see how the Georgian taste for democracy is any weaker than the Kosovan, or how the fate of Abkhazia and Ossetia affects the fate of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, or the Baltics – long-sovereign nation-states without ungovernable autonomous regions, and Nato members to boot.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If I had been any weaker than I am I would have probably committed suicide after talking to the person on the hotline".

Huffington Post

Do not make the mixture any weaker than 1 part sugar to 5 parts water.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Because I really did not regard my black classmate as being in any way inferior to me, as having any weaker claim than mine to his place in the school; indeed, I was anxiously aware of the fragility of my own position, gained by deception and under constant threat from lousy grades and an ever-rising mountain of demerits.

The New Yorker

However, it is considered a waste of levels to enchant any material weaker than iron as they have low durability.

WikiHow

We find that genes with high crossing-over rates have low rates of protein evolution after such control, although any correlation is weaker than that previously reported considering meiotic DSBs as a proxy.

Genome Biology and Evolution

If the bill gets any weaker, it will be worse than none at all, since it would nullify stronger protections at the state level, including a hard-hitting antispam law recently adopted in California.

The New York Times

As a result, Romney is now weaker than any post-primary party nominee in recent political history.

The New York Times

In the contest for undecided voters, Trump appears weaker than any of his rivals, because everybody already knows who he is, and an unusual number of Republicans already don't like him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any weaker than", ensure that the comparison is clear and the entities being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Is this argument any weaker than the previous one?" provides a clear comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "any weaker than" without a clear point of comparison. Saying "This is any weaker than..." without specifying what it's weaker than can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any weaker than" primarily functions as a comparative, used to indicate that something is not less weak or effective compared to something else. Ludwig examples show its application in various contexts, from political policies to personal strength.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "any weaker than" is a comparative expression used to suggest something is not less weak or effective than something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. While relatively infrequent, its appearance in news media, wikis, and scientific sources indicates a neutral register. When employing "any weaker than", ensure clarity in the comparison to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "not as strong as" or "less potent than" may provide a more formal tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as strong as

Focuses on relative strength rather than weakness.

less potent than

Emphasizes potency or effectiveness in comparison.

not as robust as

Highlights robustness or resilience in contrast.

inferior to

Indicates a lower quality or standard.

not as resilient as

Stresses the aspect of resilience or durability.

not quite as effective as

Specifically addresses effectiveness.

less powerful than

Directly compares power or force.

subpar compared to

Suggests a standard below the expected level.

not holding up as well as

Indicates a decline in performance relative to something else.

fainter than

Suggests the presence of something, like an argument, is not as strong as something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "any weaker than" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "not as robust as", "less potent than", or "inferior to" for a more formal tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "any weaker than" in a sentence?

Yes, the phrase "any weaker than" is grammatically correct and commonly used to make comparisons. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

What's a common mistake when using "any weaker than"?

A frequent error is omitting the item or concept being compared, leading to ambiguity. Ensure the comparison is explicit: instead of saying "This is "any weaker than"...", state what it's being compared to.

How can I use "any weaker than" in a sentence about political policy?

You might say, "If the bill gets "any weaker than" it will be worse than none at all, since it would nullify stronger protections at the state level".