grow weaker

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow weaker" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like: "She watched the light from the fireflies grow weaker as the night progressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Persistent viruses tend to grow weaker over the years.

The New Yorker

Yet, as precious campaign time ticks away, Mr. Rice's candidacy seems to grow weaker.

The New York Times

But as the summer wears on, the economic indicators grow weaker, not stronger.

The New York Times

China does basically whatever it wants, while we grow weaker and they grow stronger".

The New York Times

"The opposition continues to make substantial gains on the ground while his forces grow weaker".

The New York Times

As the moon recedes, it will, of course, have less power over the tides, and they will grow weaker.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But an oversecured tree can grow weak.

The New York Times

With less money for food, even the uninfected grow weak.

The Economist

People grow weak and achy with this treatment, as if they had the flu for months.

The New York Times - Health

A coup becomes a possibility only when a government begins to grow weak and unstable.  .

Huffington Post

Without this enriched lighting the anole will grow weak and eventually die.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow weaker" to describe a gradual reduction in physical strength, emotional resilience, or the effectiveness of an argument.

Common error

While "grow weaker" is versatile, it can be less impactful than more precise verbs. For example, instead of saying "the rope grew weaker", consider alternatives like "frayed", "snapped", or "disintegrated" to offer greater clarity and visual detail.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "grow weaker" is as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples. It describes a state of diminishing strength or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Reference

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow weaker" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes a gradual decline in strength, power, or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in various sources, particularly news and media outlets, underscore its reliability. While "grow weaker" is generally neutral in register, it's important to consider context and choose more specific verbs when greater clarity or visual detail is required. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "grow weaker" to convey a sense of diminishing strength in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become feebler

Emphasizes a physical or general decline in strength.

diminish in strength

Focuses on the gradual reduction of power or intensity.

lose potency

Highlights the loss of effectiveness or impact.

decline in power

Specifically refers to a reduction in authority or influence.

wane in influence

Suggests a decrease in persuasive ability or sway.

deteriorate

Indicates a general decline in condition or quality.

fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance or weakening.

succumb

Suggests yielding to pressure or weakness.

atrophy

Refers to the wasting away of a body part or quality due to lack of use.

ebb

Implies a receding or declining state, often used for abstract concepts like emotions.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow weaker" to describe a gradual decline in strength, influence, or effectiveness. For example, "The government's hold on power began to "wane in influence" as protests increased."

What are some synonyms for "grow weaker"?

Alternatives to "grow weaker" include "become feebler", "diminish in strength", or "lose potency", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grow weaker" or "grows weaker"?

Both "grow weaker" and "grows weaker" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Grow weaker" is used with plural subjects or in the infinitive form, while "grows weaker" is used with singular subjects in the present tense. For example, "The protests grow weaker" versus "The protest grows weaker".

What's the difference between "grow weaker" and "become weaker"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction in strength, "grow weaker" suggests a more gradual process, while "become weaker" can imply a more sudden or defined change. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.