as weak as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as weak as a' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression which means that someone or something is very weak. For example, you could say "His legs were as weak as a newborn foal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I felt as weak as a kitten.

The Guardian - Sport

(A simile as weak as a forced apology).

The New York Times - Sports

"I was flushed and sweating and just as weak as a kitten," he said.

The New York Times

The advice from Bossy is as weak as a machine-made brew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For henceforth the High Priestess shall be as weak as a newborn lamb.

The New Yorker

The film detects some explosives in concentrations as weak as a half dozen parts per trillion.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They range from methods as weak as providing a unique email or algorithms that spot fake accounts to methods as strong as requiring driver's license or credit card information.

TechCrunch

But with Somalia's transitional government as weak as ever and a residual force of African Union peacekeepers threatening to leave as well, a power vacuum may be filled again by Islamist militias.

The Economist

Although the strength of the correlation was only modest, the relationship should not be regarded as weak, as this was a cross-sectional study.

Critical Care

The steerable dish searched the skies in vain along Telstar's predicted orbit, for a signal as weak as would be received from a one-bar electric fire on the moon.

The Guardian - Books

The investigation and indictments, as weak as they were, had a dampening effect on the racism in the town, and before long, many Chinese businesses and homes in the Calle de Los Negroes were re-established.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the simile "as weak as a" to create a vivid comparison when describing someone or something lacking strength or effectiveness. Ensure the comparison is easily understood by your audience for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on overused similes like "as weak as a" in every instance. While effective, overuse can diminish the impact. Consider alternative expressions or more original comparisons to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as weak as a" primarily functions as a simile, used to draw a comparison and emphasize the degree of weakness of a subject. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as weak as a" serves as a simile to emphasize a lack of strength, resilience, or effectiveness. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. This phrase finds common application in news and media, wiki content, and scientific writing. While versatile, varying the simile or using alternative expressions can enhance writing and prevent overuse of clichés. When aiming for formal tones, consider opting for stronger or more technical alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely feeble

Emphasizes a severe lack of strength or vigor.

very vulnerable

Stresses the susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

utterly defenseless

Highlights the complete absence of protection or the ability to resist.

quite fragile

Focuses on the delicacy and susceptibility to damage.

somewhat frail

Implies physical weakness, often associated with age or illness.

relatively powerless

Indicates a lack of authority or control.

pretty flimsy

Suggests a lack of solidity or strength in construction or reasoning.

incredibly delicate

Implies something needs to be handled carefully.

rather ineffective

Highlights the inability to produce the desired result.

not very robust

Emphasizes a lack of vigor or resilience.

FAQs

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

You can use "as weak as a" to describe a lack of physical strength, emotional resilience, or overall effectiveness. For example, "After the illness, she felt "as weak as a" kitten" or "The argument presented was "as weak as a" wet noodle".

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

Alternatives include "extremely feeble", "utterly defenseless", or "quite fragile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to express the idea of being "as weak as a"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "lacking in vigor", "devoid of strength", or "demonstrating considerable frailty" instead of the more colloquial ""as weak as a"".

How do I choose the best simile to use instead of "as weak as a"?

Consider the specific context and the aspect of weakness you want to emphasize. "As weak as a kitten" emphasizes physical frailty, while ""as weak as a" wet noodle" suggests a lack of resolve or effectiveness.