getting weaker and weaker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting weaker and weaker" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that is deteriorating or becoming less effective. For example: "The economy has been getting weaker and weaker since the pandemic began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The country is getting weaker and weaker".

The New York Times

Workplace communities are getting weaker and weaker.

The Guardian

The web of life that sustains our global society is getting weaker and weaker".

The New York Times

("In most movies, kung fu is all-powerful, but in my film it's getting weaker and weaker," he said).

The New Yorker

"As the first week went on I felt like I was getting weaker and weaker, I didn't have the power.

The Guardian - Sport

I said to you in the book that as the first week went on I felt like I was getting weaker and weaker, I didn't have the power.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

They get weaker and weaker as they do that.

The Guardian

I just seemed to get weaker and weaker every day".

The Guardian

"She just got weaker and weaker and just died.

The Guardian

If you make them even larger, the spirit gets weaker and weaker.

The Guardian - Business

The signals get weaker and weaker until they simply cease altogether.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting weaker and weaker", ensure the context clearly indicates what is losing strength or effectiveness. For example, specify whether you're referring to a person's health, a country's economy, or a relationship's bond.

Common error

Avoid using "getting weaker and weaker" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your language sound repetitive. Opt for more varied and descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting weaker and weaker" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a progressive decline in strength, quality, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

21%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting weaker and weaker" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a progressive decline in strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence across varied contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider related phrases like "deteriorating steadily" or "declining progressively" to add variety to your writing. The phrase has a neutral register and is frequently found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorating steadily

Focuses on the gradual decline in quality or condition.

declining progressively

Emphasizes the ongoing and incremental nature of the weakening.

losing strength continuously

Highlights the persistent loss of physical or metaphorical power.

fading more and more

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of vibrancy.

waning increasingly

Implies a reduction in size, intensity, or power over time.

eroding gradually

Focuses on the slow destruction or wearing away of something.

diminishing bit by bit

Emphasizes the small, incremental reductions leading to overall weakness.

crumbling incrementally

Suggests a slow breakdown or disintegration.

slackening steadily

Highlights a gradual decrease in activity, effort, or intensity.

stagnating progressively

Focuses on the increasing lack of progress or development.

FAQs

How can I use "getting weaker and weaker" in a sentence?

You can use "getting weaker and weaker" to describe a gradual decline in strength, power, or effectiveness. For instance, "The patient's condition was "getting weaker and weaker" despite the treatment."

What are some alternatives to "getting weaker and weaker"?

Consider using phrases like "deteriorating steadily", "declining progressively", or "losing strength continuously" as alternatives to "getting weaker and weaker", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "getting weaker and weaker"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or application in overly informal contexts may make it sound repetitive. Ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on gradual decline.

What's the difference between "getting weaker and weaker" and "getting worse and worse"?

"Getting weaker and weaker" specifically emphasizes a loss of strength or power, while "getting worse and worse" is a more general term for overall decline in quality or condition.