grow feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline in strength, health, or vitality over time. Example: "As the years passed, his once vibrant spirit began to grow feeble, reflecting the toll of age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of the three theories of aging mentioned in the article ("DNA accumulates mutations," "DNA of the mitochondria lack repair mechanisms," and "stems cells eventually grow feeble"), which makes the most sense to you, scientifically, and why?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that was an old reflex, grown feeble with the passing years.

The New Yorker

On my hands I learned to walk, my legs grew feeble.

The Guardian - Books

After the aging Rauschenberg was partly paralyzed from a stroke and grew feeble, Mr. Pottorf said, he often helped a nurse put him to bed.

The New York Times - Arts

Many of their existing T cells showed signs of senescence, which means that they had grown feeble and were unlikely to fight infections well anymore.

The New York Times - Health

Well before that Churchill had become convinced that the appeal of the Communist idea had grown feeble; that bloated Soviet empire in Eastern Europe would not last, he said.

The New York Times - Books

Ye served as defense minister from 1975 to 1978 but, having grown feeble from old age, was in the latter year made chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, thereby becoming nominal chief of state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well, good luck, Mr. and Mrs. America: squeeze until your face turns red, white, and blue... Either as a nation we have grown feeble or the policy of containment, once preached as the only safe tactic for dealing with the Communist menace, has now refocussed upon the output of capitalism, in all its sparkling, poisonous, hazardous variety.

The New Yorker

In the distance, a golden clearing between lush, vivid cliffs was filling with the surging storm; the angels were receding; the birds ceased their high-pitched agitated laughter; the flowers no longer flew from the trees; I grew feeble, I fell mute.... Then a miracle occurred.

The New Yorker

When my lips meet the cup, my tongue grows feeble, numb, dumb.

Huffington Post

As the elderly king has grown "feeble, weary and half-blind", his sons, daughters and other nobles campaign for power.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grow feeble", consider the subject's prior state. This phrase is most effective when describing a noticeable decline from a previous state of strength or vitality.

Common error

Avoid using "grow feeble" in overly dramatic or melodramatic writing. Its subtle connotation is best suited for nuanced descriptions of gradual decline, not sudden collapses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow feeble" functions as a verb phrase describing a gradual process of weakening. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that the subject is experiencing a decline in strength or vitality, like the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow feeble" is a grammatically correct way to describe a gradual decline in strength or vitality. As Ludwig highlights, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts. While not incorrect in casual conversation, its subtle formality lends itself better to more nuanced, descriptive writing. Remember to consider the prior state of the subject; "grow feeble" is most effective when depicting a noticeable decline from a previous state of strength. Avoid overusing it in dramatic contexts, where its quiet connotation may be lost. Alternatives like "become weak" or "lose strength" offer similar meanings, but may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become weak

Replaces "grow" with "become", focusing on the resulting state of weakness rather than the process.

lose strength

Emphasizes the loss of physical power or resilience.

deteriorate

Indicates a general decline in condition or quality.

weaken

A more concise way of saying "grow feeble", highlighting the process of becoming weaker.

decline

Suggests a gradual deterioration, often used in the context of health or abilities.

fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance or loss of vitality.

succumb to weakness

Highlights the yielding to a state of being weak.

grow frail

Emphasizes the increasing fragility and delicacy.

lose vigor

Focuses on the loss of energy and enthusiasm.

diminish in strength

Highlights the gradual reduction of physical power.

FAQs

How can I use "grow feeble" in a sentence?

You can use "grow feeble" to describe a gradual decline in strength, health, or vitality. For example: "As the years passed, his once vibrant spirit began to grow feeble."

What are some alternatives to "grow feeble"?

You can use alternatives like "become weak", "lose strength", or "deteriorate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "became feeble" instead of "grow feeble"?

Yes, "became feeble" is grammatically correct. While "grow feeble" describes a process, "became feeble" describes the resulting state.

What is the difference between "grow feeble" and "grow frail"?

"Grow feeble" generally implies a loss of strength or vitality, while "grow frail" specifically emphasizes increasing delicacy and vulnerability. The former is a loss of power, the latter is a physical state.