grows weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grows weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline in strength, effectiveness, or vitality over time. Example: "As the years went by, his resolve grows weak in the face of constant challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then the patient grows weak, and as the infection advances, the body seems to melt away.

The New Yorker

Our democracy grows weak.

Huffington Post

But what happens if one of the table legs grows weak?

Huffington Post

Palpatine tries to rebuild the Empire as the Rebel Alliance grows weak.

Wikipedia

The mind of a person of uncertain purpose grows weak day by day and becomes so unsettled that he can think of nothing except what is in his mind at the moment... we lose our soul.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

'He grows weaker by the day.

The Guardian - Books

The child grows weaker at the hospital in..

The New Yorker

The child grows weaker at the hospital in.

The New Yorker

As Katherine grows weaker and weaker, the roles of mother and daughter are reversed.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Begum, meanwhile, grows weaker and more frustrated by the day.

The New York Times

Once the fuse is lit, the UK's negotiations position grows weaker by the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grows weak" to describe a gradual decrease in physical strength, emotional resilience, or the effectiveness of an abstract concept over time. For instance, "As the patient aged, his body grows weak" or "The movement grows weak without strong leadership."

Common error

Avoid using "grows weak" in situations where a more specific and vivid verb phrase would be more impactful. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic, especially if you are aiming for a realistic or clinical tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grows weak" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a linking verb ("grows") followed by an adjective ("weak"). It describes a process of becoming weaker, linking the subject to a state of reduced strength or vitality. This can refer to physical, emotional, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grows weak" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned verb phrase used to describe a gradual decline in strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans various contexts, but it appears most frequently in news and media. While considered acceptable for use in the English language, writers should ensure its usage is fitting and not overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "becomes feeble" or "loses strength" may offer more specific or vivid expressions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weakens

A more direct synonym, indicating a reduction in power or stability.

diminishes in strength

A more formal way of expressing a reduction in power.

becomes feeble

Emphasizes a loss of strength, often associated with aging or illness.

loses strength

Focuses on the action of losing physical or metaphorical power.

becomes frail

Highlights physical weakness and vulnerability.

deteriorates

Highlights a gradual decline in condition or quality.

declines

Implies a downward trend in health, status, or quality.

fades

Suggests a gradual disappearance of vitality or intensity.

succumbs

Implies giving in to weakness or illness.

atrophies

Describes a wasting away, often due to lack of use or nourishment.

FAQs

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

Use "grows weak" to describe a gradual decline in strength or effectiveness over time. For example, "As winter approached, the sunlight "grows weak"."

What are some alternatives to "grows weak"?

Alternatives include "becomes feeble", "loses strength", or "deteriorates". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "grows weak" or "becomes weak"?

"Grows weak" implies a gradual process of weakening, while "becomes weak" suggests a more sudden change. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the gradual nature of the decline.

What does it mean when someone "grows weak"?

When someone "grows weak", it means their strength or health is gradually declining. This can be due to illness, age, or other factors that diminish their physical or mental capacity.