are so weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are so weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that lacks strength, effectiveness, or resilience. Example: "The arguments presented in the debate are so weak that they failed to convince anyone in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those spades are so weak.

The New York Times

The data propelling this are so weak, and flawed".

The New York Times

"Winds in China are so weak," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

That is why big Islamic banks are so weak.

The Economist

"In Chekhov, all the characters are so weak, so full of faults," she said.

The New York Times

Manchester was chosen for the conference because the Tories are so weak in the north.

The Guardian

Because returning signals are so weak, detectors must be extremely sensitive, even if relatively small.

The New York Times - Science

His lungs are so weak he is unable even to laugh.

The Guardian

He is powerful, it often seems, because the others around him are so weak.

The New York Times

"The penalties are so weak against employer violations that they're really no deterrent at all".

The New York Times

But he doesn't ask why historical restraints on corporate recklessness and crimes are so weak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, such as arguments or regulations, using "are so weak" can effectively convey their ineffectiveness or lack of impact. For example: "The arguments presented are so weak that they fail to convince anyone."

Common error

While "are so weak" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the specific nature of the weakness. For example, instead of "The data are so weak", consider "The data exhibit significant limitations" or "The data lack statistical power".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are so weak" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject of a sentence to indicate a significant lack of strength, power, or effectiveness. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this can apply to physical attributes, arguments, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are so weak" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a significant lack of strength or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While its neutral register makes it widely usable, more precise language may be preferable in highly formal writing. The examples curated by Ludwig illustrate the phrase's utility in conveying judgment and assessment across a range of subjects, from physical attributes to abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are very feeble

Replaces "so" with "very", changing the degree of weakness.

are quite fragile

Shifts the focus to fragility, implying a susceptibility to damage.

are exceptionally frail

Highlights a delicate or weak constitution.

are extremely vulnerable

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

are remarkably flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or strength, often in a physical sense.

are unusually delicate

Focuses on the fineness and lack of robustness.

are particularly powerless

Highlights a lack of control or influence.

are notably defenseless

Emphasizes the inability to protect oneself.

are unusually exposed

Highlights the lack of protection or shielding.

possess limited strength

Uses a more formal structure to indicate a lack of physical power.

FAQs

How can I use "are so weak" in a sentence?

You can use "are so weak" to describe something lacking strength, effectiveness, or resilience. For example, "The arguments presented in the debate "are so weak" that they failed to convince anyone in the audience."

What can I say instead of "are so weak"?

You can use alternatives like "are very feeble", "are quite fragile", or "are extremely vulnerable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are so weak" or "are too weak"?

Both "are so weak" and "are too weak" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Are so weak" describes the degree of weakness, while "are too weak" implies that the weakness prevents something from happening.

What's the difference between "are so weak" and "are less strong"?

"Are so weak" indicates a significant lack of strength, while "are less strong" ("are less strong") simply implies a comparative lack of strength relative to something else. The former is a statement of condition, the latter is a comparative statement.