go weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone becomes emotionally vulnerable or loses strength in a particular context, often related to feelings or reactions. Example: "Every time I see that puppy, I just go weak at the knees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Minotaur felt his heart go weak, and his hands.

The New Yorker

Useful for making men go weak at the knees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others seemed to go weak at the knees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I go weak at the knees for plans and drawings.

The Guardian - Business

Lisbeth's knees go weak when she sees Anna compete, and with good reason.

The New York Times - Sports

None suggest why Russians go weak at the knees when Pushkin's name is mentioned.

The New York Times

The number of people killed by guns should be enough to make our knees go weak.

The New York Times

Do you go weak at the knees when you see a picture of baby dolphins?

The New York Times

Officials tend to go weak at the knees when even relatively inconsequential companies fall into distress.

The Economist

Your head gets all dizzy, your heart pounds, your knees go weak.

The New York Times

People go weak at the knees when they see a guide dog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go weak" to vividly describe a sudden loss of physical or emotional strength in response to a specific stimulus or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "go weak" in contexts where the loss of strength is gradual or due to a chronic condition. It's best suited for describing immediate reactions to stimuli.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go weak" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a sudden loss of physical or emotional strength. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go weak" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a sudden loss of strength, whether physical or emotional. According to Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media, lifestyle, and sports contexts. When using "go weak", ensure it accurately depicts an immediate reaction rather than a gradual decline. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "become vulnerable" or "lose strength", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is versatile and widely understood, making it a valuable addition to your expressive toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become vulnerable

Focuses on the emotional aspect of becoming susceptible or easily affected.

lose strength

Emphasizes the physical aspect of declining power or resilience.

feel faint

Describes a sensation of lightheadedness or near-unconsciousness.

succumb to emotion

Highlights the overpowering nature of feelings.

lose composure

Indicates a loss of self-control or emotional stability.

feel powerless

Focuses on a sense of lacking control or influence.

crumble emotionally

Suggests a breakdown in emotional resilience.

become unsteady

Emphasizes the loss of physical balance or stability.

give way

Implies a collapse or yielding under pressure.

weaken

Describes a general decrease in power or effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "go weak" to describe a sudden loss of strength, like "My knees "go weak" when I see her" or "The news made me "go weak"."

What does it mean when someone says "I go weak at the knees"?

Saying "I "go weak" at the knees" typically means someone feels overcome with emotion, often romantic, causing a physical sensation of weakness.

Are there alternative phrases to "go weak" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "become vulnerable", "lose strength", or "feel faint".

Is it grammatically correct to say "go weak"?

Yes, ""go weak"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a sudden feeling of physical or emotional weakness.