are very feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, ineffective, or lacking strength in various contexts. Example: "The arguments presented in the debate are very feeble and fail to convince the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When separated from the larger issues, however, the religious arguments for the practice are very feeble.

The Guardian

Although these peaks are very feeble, they exist and represent agglomeration of cobalt atoms at higher doping ratios.

International Nano Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The EU has been very feeble in the past in dealing with Russia," said Sir Anthony Brenton, Britain's ambassador to Moscow from 2004 to 2008.

The Guardian

Nightglow is very feeble in the visible region of the spectrum; the illumination it gives to a horizontal surface at the ground is only about the same as that from a candle at a height of 91 metres (300 feet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

I've known about the bullying for some time and talked to the school, who were very feeble about the whole thing, but I never thought she felt this strongly.

Independent

@abkquan, without whose contributions these mini-essays would have been very feeble (thanks to him and all the other commenters for suggestions), reckons we should include David Bowie, who lived in the city in the late 1970s.

The Guardian - Music

The unamplified sound of the Clavinet strings is very feeble as the keybed does not acoustically amplify the sound; it needs be transduced and amplified electronically for practical use.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Then, it goes to penalty kicks where Reid is very feeble even with running start.

Huffington Post

Speaking in the northern city of Los Mochis, he added, "This is because the Mexican economy is very feeble and weak".

Vice

But Hitchens dismisses these as "very feeble 'inspections.'" Blix must have been very feeble indeed, for Hitchens, on one trip to Baghdad, in the company of Paul Wolfowitz, was shown components of a gas centrifuge dug up from the back garden of Saddam's chief physicist.

Huffington Post

The economic recovery has been very uneven: feeble in the West and in Japan, and so rapid in the emerging Asia-Pacific economic powerhouses that many analysts are now fretting about inflation and overheating economies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are very feeble", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking strength or effectiveness. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the efforts are very feeble", specify "the efforts to reduce pollution are very feeble."

Common error

Avoid using "are very feeble" repeatedly in formal writing as it can sound repetitive and weaken your prose. Opt for stronger, more precise synonyms like "ineffective", "inadequate", or "deficient" to convey the intended meaning more impactfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very feeble" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a significant lack of strength, effectiveness, or force. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes the subject as weak or inadequate. The Ludwig examples show its use in describing arguments, physical properties, or institutional capabilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are very feeble" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that lacks strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse contexts. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, conveying a critical assessment of a deficiency. While synonyms like "are extremely weak" and "are quite frail" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, "are very feeble" provides a distinct nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in your writing to effectively communicate the intended meaning and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are extremely weak

Emphasizes the lack of strength or power; intensifies the degree of weakness.

are quite frail

Highlights delicacy and vulnerability, suggesting a tendency to break or fail.

are exceedingly fragile

Stresses the ease with which something can be damaged or destroyed.

are remarkably flimsy

Focuses on the lack of substance or solidity, implying poor construction or design.

are exceptionally powerless

Directly addresses the absence of ability to exert influence or control.

are notably deficient

Indicates a significant lack of necessary qualities or elements.

are particularly unconvincing

Suggests a failure to persuade or inspire belief, especially in arguments or explanations.

are surprisingly ineffectual

Highlights the unexpected failure to produce the desired result.

are unusually inadequate

Points out that something does not meet the required standard or expectation.

are plainly unsustainable

Focuses on the inability to maintain a certain condition or process over time.

FAQs

How can I use "are very feeble" in a sentence?

The phrase "are very feeble" is used to describe something lacking strength or effectiveness. For instance, "The team's defenses against cyberattacks "are very feeble", requiring immediate upgrades."

What phrases can I use instead of "are very feeble"?

Alternatives to "are very feeble" include "are extremely weak", "are quite frail", or "are remarkably flimsy" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are very feeble"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used to express a lack of strength or effectiveness.

What's the difference between "are very feeble" and "are somewhat weak"?

"Are very feeble" implies a greater degree of weakness than "are somewhat weak". The former suggests a significant deficiency, while the latter indicates a mild lack of strength.