be weakened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be weakened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a state of becoming less strong or effective. Example: "The structure may be weakened by the constant exposure to harsh weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It continues to be weakened by convictions.

Independent

The WTO itself may be weakened.

The Economist

Suspect my defences will be weakened eventually.

The Guardian - Sport

A leader picked in these circumstances will be weakened.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this way, democratic accountability can be weakened.

The Guardian - Opinion

In such a way would two unpleasant regimes be weakened.

The Guardian

Nor will we let our influence abroad be weakened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever happens, parliamentary responsibility will in the end be weakened.

The Guardian - Opinion

I strongly believe that aviation security must not be weakened.

The New York Times

Mr Arafat's autocratic grip will be weakened, but not removed.

The Economist

International norms, such as freedom of navigation, will be weakened.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be weakened", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise synonym like "be undermined" or "be diminished" would be more appropriate to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

While "be weakened" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound vague. Consider rewriting the sentence to use an active voice construction for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The economy will be weakened by inflation", try "Inflation will weaken the economy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be weakened" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is undergoing a process of becoming less strong, effective, or stable. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, confirming its function in describing a state of decline or vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be weakened" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it's considered correct and usable in written English. It describes the process of something becoming less strong, effective, or stable, as seen across numerous examples in news, science, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether a more precise synonym could enhance clarity, and be mindful of overusing the passive voice. "Be weakened" effectively communicates a decline or vulnerability in a wide variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become less effective

Focuses on a decrease in effectiveness rather than overall strength.

be undermined

Suggests a gradual and often subtle weakening, frequently through external forces.

be diminished

Implies a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

be impaired

Highlights the functional aspect of being weakened, suggesting a hindered ability to perform.

be compromised

Indicates that something has been made vulnerable or less effective due to some compromise.

lose strength

Directly describes a reduction in physical or metaphorical strength.

suffer a setback

Emphasizes a temporary or partial weakening due to an adverse event.

deteriorate

Implies a gradual decline in quality or condition, leading to a weakened state.

be diluted

Suggests a reduction in concentration or potency, resulting in a weakened effect.

be eroded

Describes a gradual wearing away or decline, often due to external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "be weakened" in a sentence?

The phrase "be weakened" is used to describe something that is becoming less strong or effective. For example: "The bridge may "be weakened" by the earthquake" or "His argument was "be weakened" by the lack of evidence".

What are some alternatives to "be weakened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be undermined", "be diminished", "be impaired", or "lose strength". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be weakened"?

While "be weakened" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can often create a stronger and more direct sentence. For example, instead of saying "The team's morale will "be weakened" by the loss", you could say "The loss will weaken the team's morale".

What's the difference between "be weakened" and "become weaker"?

"Be weakened" typically suggests an external force or action is causing the reduction in strength, while "become weaker" is a more general statement of decline. For instance, "The structure will "be weakened" by the storm" implies the storm is the cause, whereas "The structure will "become weaker" over time" suggests a natural process of decay.