grew weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline in strength, health, or effectiveness over time. Example: "As the years passed, his once formidable physique grew weak, leaving him unable to perform the tasks he once excelled at."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

His knees grew weak.

The New Yorker

Pakistan's cocooned economy grew weak and uncompetitive.

The Economist

His right leg grew weak, and his foot began to droop.

The New York Times

He was a promising talent, but sophomore year he suddenly grew weak and dizzy.

The New Yorker

His father, a laborer, grew weak and was sent to the gas chamber.

The New York Times

• She visited the Sheppard family in recent years, after Bob grew weak and stopped going to Yankee Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Scott, a 27-year-old who leads with his fists, grew weak-kneed when he took the ice at United Center for his first official practice with the Blackhawks and was greeted by an announced crowd of 18,000.

The New York Times - Sports

I grew weaker with every passing day.

The New York Times

Month by month, he grew weaker.

The New York Times

As my body grew weaker, my mind grew stronger.

The Guardian

After the fourth day, she grew weaker and weaker, until she could barely lift her head.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decline in health or strength, consider using "grew weak" to convey a sense of prolonged deterioration. For example: "After months of illness, his body "grew weak".

Common error

Avoid using "grew weak" to describe sudden instances of weakness. The phrase suggests a gradual process, not an immediate loss of strength. Instead of saying 'He "grew weak" and collapsed,' use 'He suddenly became weak and collapsed'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew weak" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of becoming weaker. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a gradual decline in strength, health, or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grew weak" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, as indicated by Ludwig. It serves to describe a gradual reduction in strength, health, or effectiveness over time. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of communication styles. When using "grew weak", ensure it accurately reflects a gradual process rather than a sudden change. Consider alternatives such as "became feeble" or "lost strength" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became feeble

Implies a loss of strength and vigor, often associated with aging.

lost strength

Directly indicates a reduction in physical power.

declined in health

Focuses on a deterioration of physical well-being.

diminished in strength

Suggests a gradual reduction in force or power.

faded away

Implies a gradual disappearance or weakening, often used metaphorically.

became frail

Indicates a state of physical weakness and vulnerability.

withered

Suggests a decline in vitality, often used in relation to plants or people.

deteriorated

Describes a process of worsening or decaying.

succumbed to weakness

Emphasizes the yielding to a lack of strength or resistance.

atrophied

Indicates a wasting away of bodily tissue or organs.

FAQs

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

Use "grew weak" to describe a gradual decline in strength, health, or effectiveness over time. For instance, "As the disease progressed, her body "grew weak"".

What are some alternatives to "grew weak"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "became feeble", "lost strength", or "declined in health" as alternatives to "grew weak".

Is it correct to say "grew weakly"?

No, "grew weakly" is not typically used. The correct phrase is ""grew weak"", where "weak" functions as an adjective describing the state of becoming. Saying "grew weakly" would imply growing in a weak manner, which is grammatically awkward.

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

"Grew weak" implies a more gradual process of weakening over time, while "became weak" can suggest a more sudden or immediate onset of weakness. The choice depends on the context and the emphasis you want to convey.