bouts of weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bouts of weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe episodes or periods of feeling weak, either physically or emotionally. Example: "After the surgery, she experienced several bouts of weakness that made it difficult for her to get out of bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The dollar suffered periodic bouts of weakness before.

The New York Times

Cardinal O'Connor has had bouts of weakness related to radiation treatment required after brain tumor surgery last year.

The New York Times

The cardinal missed Mass at St . Patricks Cathedral on Sunday after experiencing bouts of weakness and having difficulty reading, and has not been seen publicly since.

The New York Times

Most notably they profit from the so-called yen-carry trade, an arcane but powerful investment strategy in which the well informed benefit from periodic bouts of weakness in the Japanese yen.

The New York Times

The spokesman, Joseph Zwilling, said the 80-year-old cardinal, who has experienced bouts of weakness since undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor and seven weeks of radiation treatments last year, lost stamina in the past week and had a sleepless Saturday night.

The New York Times

She still suffers bouts of weakness because of her injuries.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Whether or not the euro has another bout of weakness, it is an oversold, undervalued currency.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the economy remains firmly in recovery mode, and a rebound from this current bout of weakness looks likely in coming months".

The Guardian - Business

The halving of oil prices in late 2014 came as a surprise to the Bank, as did the second bout of weakness over the summer.

The Guardian - Business

Jasper Lawler, market analyst at CMC Markets, said: A late bout of weakness in mining shares left the FTSE 100 significantly underperforming other European stock benchmarks.

The Guardian - Business

Sterling also appreciated against the dollar over the past year, though its recent bout of weakness can be seen in a 7.3% drop since December 31st 2009.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "bouts of weakness", be specific about the type of weakness (physical, economic, emotional) and provide context about its cause or impact to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "bouts of weakness" to describe ongoing, chronic conditions. This phrase implies temporary episodes rather than a persistent state. Use terms like "chronic fatigue" or "debilitating illness" for long-term issues.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bouts of weakness" is to act as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. This phrase describes recurring instances or episodes of reduced strength or capability, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bouts of weakness" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe recurring episodes of diminished strength or capacity, whether physical, emotional, or economic. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is valid and commonly used. While the phrase appears more frequently in news and media, it also has relevance in scientific and general contexts. When using this phrase, consider specifying the nature of the weakness and its impact. Alternatives like "periods of frailty" or "episodes of debility" can be used depending on the specific context. Avoid using this phrase to describe chronic conditions as it implies temporary episodes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periods of frailty

Replaces "weakness" with "frailty", emphasizing physical delicacy or vulnerability.

cycles of fragility

Similar to periods of frailty, emphasizes vulnerability and delicateness.

episodes of debility

Substitutes "bouts" with "episodes" and "weakness" with "debility", suggesting a more formal and medical context.

attacks of enfeeblement

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful onset of weakening.

recurrences of impairment

Implies that some ability or function is compromised and that the issue returns periodically.

moments of vulnerability

Shifts the focus to emotional or psychological weakness.

times of instability

Suggests a lack of firmness or steadiness, often in a broader, non-physical sense.

phases of decline

Highlights a gradual decrease in strength or quality over time.

spells of incapacity

Focuses on the inability to function normally or effectively.

instances of failing

Highlights specific occurrences of not meeting expectations or standards.

FAQs

What does "bouts of weakness" mean?

The phrase "bouts of weakness" refers to periods or episodes of feeling weak, whether physically, emotionally, or in terms of strength or effectiveness. It implies that these periods are temporary and recurring.

What are some synonyms for "bouts of weakness"?

Alternatives to "bouts of weakness" include "periods of frailty", "episodes of debility", or "attacks of enfeeblement", depending on the specific context you're aiming for.

How can I use "bouts of weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "bouts of weakness" to describe a variety of situations. For example: "After the surgery, she experienced several "bouts of weakness" that made it difficult for her to get out of bed," or "The economy suffered "bouts of weakness" due to global instability".

Is it correct to say "bouts of weakness"?

Yes, the phrase "bouts of weakness" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It accurately conveys the idea of recurring periods of reduced strength or capacity.