either weakens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either weakens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or alternatives that may diminish strength or effectiveness in a particular context. Example: "The new policy either weakens our position in negotiations or strengthens our competitors' advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As one would expect, perceived discrimination D i lowers effort as it either weakens the adaptation of children's identity to the host country or bolsters their refusal to adjust to mainstream society; it also reduces the influence of the locus of control and thereby the overall motivation to exert effort.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If the gap is small, the haggling could be protracted and messy, and small regional party bosses could bargain harder to either weaken their local rivals or grab lucrative, powerful ministries.

The New York Times

Like Ms. Nunn, Mr. Carter, 38, is hoping that a tough Republican primary fight in May will either weaken the leading candidates — in his case, Gov. Nathan Deal — or produce a general election opponent who is so conservative that moderate voters might swing to the Democrats.

The New York Times

Depending upon the prevailing tax rate differential, taxes can either weaken or strengthen the owner's incentive to shift profits from one division to another.

Business Research

The fire either weakened in intensity or had been subdued by firefighters by 1 p.m. that day.

Wikipedia

Still, the family's lawsuit aims to force the school to either weaken the Wi-Fi signal or switch to using Ethernet cables.

Vice

For this to happen, observers say they have two options: Either weaken the bill's restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions or ramp up internal lobbying efforts on fence-straddling senators.

Huffington Post

They would likely have to provide less comprehensive benefits or tighten eligibility for those savings to materialize, either weakening low-income Americans' coverage or depriving them of it altogether.

Huffington Post

Since all but one of the EF-Tu interface mutants either weaken EF-Tu binding or have no effect, they would also not be expected to affect kpep.

Biochemistry

The variants range in distance from 0 76 nt from the natural acceptor junction, and either weaken, abolish or strengthen the BPS.

F1000Research

Since mutations in the Roc-COR tandem domain segregating with Parkinson's disease either weaken or strengthen LRRK2-DVL1 inthisctimplieshis implies that the correct level of LRRK2 activity is key to the health of dopaminergic neurones.

Human Molecular Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either weakens", ensure the sentence clearly outlines the two possible outcomes or choices being presented. This helps maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "either weakens" when there are more than two possible outcomes or choices. The phrase is designed for binary situations and can become confusing in more complex scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either weakens" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two potential outcomes where one results in a reduction of strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is used to present alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either weakens" is a conjunction phrase used to present two potential outcomes, one of which results in a diminished effect or capacity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and, although currently rare, is employed in neutral contexts such as science and news media. When utilizing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly outlining the two possible outcomes. Consider alternatives like "either diminishes" or "either impairs" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either diminishes

Changes the verb from "weakens" to "diminishes", implying a reduction in something.

either impairs

Replaces "weakens" with "impairs", suggesting a hindering or damaging effect.

either undermines

Substitutes "weakens" with "undermines", indicating a gradual erosion of strength or effectiveness.

either compromises

Replaces "weakens" with "compromises", implying a reduction in quality or effectiveness due to concessions.

either lessens

Uses "lessens" instead of "weakens", suggesting a decrease in intensity or force.

either reduces

Employs "reduces" instead of "weakens", focusing on a quantifiable decrease.

either attenuates

Replaces "weakens" with "attenuates", indicating a reduction in the severity or intensity.

either dilutes

Uses "dilutes" instead of "weakens", suggesting a reduction in concentration or potency.

either softens

Replaces "weakens" with "softens", implying a less direct or forceful approach.

either degrades

Substitutes "weakens" with "degrades", indicating a decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "either weakens" in a sentence?

Use "either weakens" to present two possible outcomes where one of them diminishes something. For example: "The new policy "either weakens" our position or strengthens our competitor's."

What are some alternatives to "either weakens"?

You can use alternatives such as "either diminishes", "either impairs", or "either undermines" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "either weakens"?

It's appropriate when you're discussing a situation with two potential outcomes, and one of those outcomes results in a reduction of strength, effectiveness, or intensity. For example, "The lack of funding "either weakens" our research efforts or halts them completely."

Is there a difference between "either weakens" and "either strengthens"?

Yes, ""either weakens"" implies a reduction in something, while "either strengthens" implies an increase. They represent opposite effects in a binary outcome.