became weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became weak" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a transition or change in strength or power, often in a physical, emotional, or metaphorical context. Example: "After the long battle, the once-mighty warrior became weak and could no longer stand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They became weak with laughter and gave in.

The New Yorker

"It gave him diarrhea and he became weak.

The New York Times

I became weak with fever and had pain in my joints.

The Guardian

Once, he became weak on one side, and another time his gaze seemed to be fixed to one side.

The New York Times

And Alpha, a cow worth thousands of dollars, became weak and feverish after miscarrying twins, unfortunately on a weekend.

The New York Times

It is not surprising that Ms. Brown became weak and woozy as she disregarded the impact of the processes being stimulated in her body.

The New York Times - Travel

On Thursday, we challenged Well readers to solve the mystery of a 3-month-old baby who stopped eating and became weak.

The New York Times

And then he sickened, became weak, lost his appetite, his size, and as he lay there dying, I looked him in the eye and said that I wanted to write about him.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Kenneth J. Lohmann, a biologist at the University of North Carolina who has pioneered magnetic navigation studies in loggerhead turtles, said if the field became weak enough "there would be problems for the turtles".

The New York Times - Science

Arguing that women became weak, submissive and silly because their education was designed to attract men, she proposed a system of coeducational schools to educate children of both sexes to an equal level.

The New York Times - Books

Inside his father's office at a West 37th Street truck garage, James Addison Jr. felt his knees became weak, and he sat down in a swivel chair and covered his face with his hands as he digested the news.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became weak" to describe a clear transition from a state of strength to one of reduced power or vigor, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. This can effectively illustrate a change or decline.

Common error

Avoid using "became weak" excessively in passive voice constructions. Instead, opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The structure became weak due to erosion," consider "Erosion weakened the structure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became weak" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a predicate adjective ("weak") that describes its state. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a common and grammatically sound way to express a transition to a state of reduced strength or power. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

45%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became weak" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe a decline in strength or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific, news and media, and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, it's advisable to use this phrase to illustrate a clear transition and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives such as "grew weaker", "turned feeble", and "lost strength" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew weaker

Focuses on a gradual decline in strength.

became frail

Specifically describes a state of delicate weakness.

turned feeble

Emphasizes a state of frailty and weakness.

lost strength

Highlights the depletion of physical or metaphorical power.

declined in strength

Formal way to describe a decrease in power or vigor.

succumbed to weakness

Suggests a surrender to a state of being weak.

deteriorated

Indicates a decline in condition or quality, resulting in weakness.

withered

Implies a gradual decay or loss of vitality.

faltered

Suggests a loss of stability or strength.

waned

Describes a gradual decrease in power, influence, or vigor.

FAQs

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

You can use "became weak" to describe a loss of strength, power, or intensity. For example: "After the illness, his body "became weak"" or "The argument "became weak" as new evidence emerged".

What are some alternatives to "became weak"?

Alternatives include "grew weaker", "turned feeble", or "lost strength". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became weakly"?

No, "became weakly" is grammatically incorrect. "Weakly" is an adverb and modifies a verb. "Became" requires an adjective to describe the state of being. Thus, "became weak" is the correct form.

What is the difference between "became weak" and "was weak"?

"Became weak" describes a change from a state of strength to weakness, whereas "was weak" simply describes a state of being without implying a change. For example, "He "became weak" after the fever" indicates a change, while "He "was weak" from birth" describes an ongoing condition.