as feeble as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as feeble as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the weakness or ineffectiveness of something to another weak or ineffective thing. Example: "His argument was as feeble as a whisper in a storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Are Europeans really as feeble as he asserts?

The Economist

As feeble as fleeing Bull Run made me feel, the hobby has toughened me up.

The New York Times

But its regional influence in 2000 was almost as feeble as its economy.

The Economist

This being the north east, Riley's don't do anything as feeble as seasonal opening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In short, PBS' competition excuse seems as feeble as Lord Grantham's resistance to change and Lady Edith's attempts at love.

The Guardian - Opinion

You usually have to be the president of Indiana University to conduct an investigation as feeble as an I.O.C. inquiry.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

You just can't conceive of a film as feeble and archaic as "Home for Purim" — even when transfigured, at the insistence of management, into "Home for Thanksgiving" — being backed by a local cable channel, let alone a major studio.

The New Yorker

"The Rt Hon gentleman should do something more useful than just read the newspapers," said Cameron, as feeble a reply as you will hear in a month of policy changes.

The Guardian

There is the dogged American lawyer who represents a Libyan imprisoned at Guantánamo on the basis of evidence first dismissed as feeble and then reclassified, without explanation, as grounds for confinement.

The New York Times - Books

Many dismiss as feeble its efforts to clean up after a corruption scandal last year.

The Economist

Doubt sometimes comes across as feeble and meek, apologetic and obstructionist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as feeble as", ensure the comparison is clear and relates to a lack of strength or effectiveness. For instance, "His excuse was as feeble as a newborn kitten's meow" provides a vivid comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "as feeble as" with comparisons that don't logically relate to weakness or ineffectiveness. For example, saying "The color was as feeble as a rock" doesn't make sense because color doesn't inherently possess strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as feeble as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its weakness or lack of effectiveness to something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and effectively conveys a sense of inadequacy or frailty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as feeble as" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase that serves to emphasize the weakness or ineffectiveness of something by comparing it to another entity known for its feebleness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and widely used, especially in contexts such as News & Media. While the phrase is correct, writers should ensure the comparison is logical and clear, avoiding mismatched or nonsensical associations. Alternatives such as "as weak as" or "as frail as" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance intended. Understanding the context and purpose helps ensure "as feeble as" is used effectively to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as weak as

Replaces 'feeble' with a direct synonym, 'weak', maintaining the comparative structure.

as frail as

Substitutes 'feeble' with 'frail', suggesting delicate weakness.

as flimsy as

Replaces 'feeble' with 'flimsy', highlighting a lack of substance or strength.

as ineffective as

Changes the focus to ineffectiveness while maintaining the comparative aspect.

as powerless as

Emphasizes the lack of power or ability, shifting the nuance slightly.

as fragile as

Emphasizes the delicate and easily broken nature, similar to 'feeble'.

as inadequate as

Shifts the focus to a lack of suitability or qualification, differing slightly from 'feeble'.

as pathetic as

Replaces 'feeble' with 'pathetic', adding a sense of pity or contempt.

as unconvincing as

Shifts the focus to a lack of believability, differing noticeably from 'feeble'.

as insignificant as

Focuses on a lack of importance or consequence, a more substantial departure from 'feeble'.

FAQs

How can I use "as feeble as" in a sentence?

Use "as feeble as" to compare something's weakness or ineffectiveness to another thing. For example, "The economy's recovery was "as feeble as" a newborn's grip".

What's a good alternative to "as feeble as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "as weak as", "as frail as", or "as flimsy as".

Is it more appropriate to say "as feeble as" or "very feeble"?

"As feeble as" is comparative and implies a specific comparison, while "very feeble" simply intensifies the adjective. The choice depends on whether you're making a direct comparison or just emphasizing weakness.

What does "feeble" specifically imply?

"Feeble" suggests a lack of physical or mental strength, or a lack of effectiveness. Using it in the phrase "as feeble as" emphasizes this deficiency in comparison to something else.