as weak as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as weak as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare someone or something's strength or effectiveness to that of something considered weak. Example: "He felt as weak as a kitten after his illness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I felt as weak as a kitten.

The Guardian - Sport

Even telecommunications may not be as weak as anticipated.

The New York Times

"But they are not as weak as they feel themselves".

The New York Times - Sports

But this is generally as weak as it gets.

The Guardian - Arts

(A simile as weak as a forced apology).

The New York Times - Sports

The government would remain as weak as ever.

The Economist

People are never as weak as they think they are".

The New York Times

It's the Carling Cup final, a competition as weak as the lager it promotes.

The Guardian - Sport

Their current midfield, as weak as it has generally been, is the best they will get.

The Guardian - Sport

"According to the doctors his immune system is weak, but not as weak as we expected".

The Guardian

Ettinger's brother, who died ten years ago, proved to be as weak as his father.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as weak as" to create vivid similes that effectively illustrate the degree of weakness being described. For stronger impact, choose the object of comparison carefully to resonate with the reader's understanding (e.g., "as weak as a kitten" versus "as weak as dishwater").

Common error

Avoid using "as weak as" in situations where a direct comparison isn't intended. It's best to use this phrase when you are trying to illustrate a specific degree of weakness through comparison, not just to state a general lack of strength.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as weak as" is to form a simile, a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "as". Ludwig AI confirms its usage in creating vivid comparisons to emphasize a lack of strength or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as weak as" is a common simile used to vividly illustrate a state of weakness through comparison. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To maximize its impact, select a comparison object that is widely recognized for its fragility or lack of power, ensuring the reader grasps the intended degree of weakness. While versatile, ensure its use is confined to comparative contexts to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "as feeble as" or "as fragile as" offer similar nuances, making "as weak as" a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as feeble as

Replaces "weak" with "feeble", suggesting a lack of strength or energy.

as fragile as

Substitutes "weak" with "fragile", highlighting delicateness and vulnerability.

as flimsy as

Replaces "weak" with "flimsy", emphasizing a lack of solidity or substance.

as powerless as

Substitutes "weak" with "powerless", indicating a lack of authority or influence.

as vulnerable as

Replaces "weak" with "vulnerable", highlighting susceptibility to harm or attack.

as defenseless as

Substitutes "weak" with "defenseless", emphasizing the inability to protect oneself.

as helpless as

Replaces "weak" with "helpless", indicating an inability to act independently.

as ineffective as

Substitutes "weak" with "ineffective", emphasizing a lack of success or impact.

as unsubstantial as

Replaces "weak" with "unsubstantial", highlighting a lack of significance or reality.

as fragile as

Replaces "weak" with "fragile", emphasizing that something is easily broken or damaged.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as weak as" is used to create similes, comparing something to something else known for its weakness. For example, "After the surgery, he felt "as weak as" a kitten."

What are some alternatives to saying "as weak as"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as feeble as", "as fragile as", or "as powerless as".

Is it grammatically correct to say "as weak as"?

Yes, "as weak as" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure for similes, using "as" + adjective + "as" to make a comparison.

What's the difference between "as weak as" and "very weak"?

"As weak as" is a simile that compares the subject's weakness to something else (e.g., "as weak as water"), providing a more vivid description. "Very weak" is a straightforward statement of the subject's level of weakness, without comparison.