half as strong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half as strong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the strength or intensity of two things, indicating that one is 50% as strong as the other. Example: "This new material is half as strong as the original, which raises concerns about its durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

However, tidal forces due to the Sun are about half as strong as those due to the Moon.

Cornell University

The fabricator had sent five-eighths-of-an-inch bolts that were half as strong as those of that size that had been ordered.

The New York Times

Lower doses, about half as strong as the standard dose, have the added benefit of reducing the chance of breakthrough bleeding, Dr. Lobo said.

The New York Times - Science

Obviously the Police were staking a claim here, and the point was well taken, though neither cover felt half as strong as the original.

The New York Times - Arts

This is considered a disappointment, because the growth is about half as strong as the category's 28percentt gain in 2004.

The New York Times

As a muscle warms up, the force of its contractions can be charted like a staircase: when it starts to work, the contractions may be only half as strong as they are after it has contracted a few times.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"And it's about two and a half times as strong as police-grade pepper spray". .

Los Angeles Times

Lighter load: A conventional hinge for the cover of a jet engine (top) could be replaced by the more intricate one at bottom, which is just as strong but weighs half as much.

MIT Technology Review

A conventional hinge for the cover of a jet engine (top) could be replaced by the more intricate one at bottom, which is just as strong but weighs half as much.

MIT Technology Review

If you want to use powder instead, cut the amount in half; it's about twice as strong as the granules.

The Washington Post

Within half an hour it is as strong as the body's own cartilage.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half as strong", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is being compared to for clarity, e.g., "The diluted solution is half as strong as the original concentration."

Common error

Avoid using "half as strong" without specifying a clear reference point, as this can lead to ambiguity. For example, stating "This rope is half as strong" without indicating what it's compared to leaves the statement unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half as strong" functions as an adjectival modifier used for comparison. It quantifies the degree to which something possesses strength in relation to another object or standard. Ludwig shows the use of the phrase in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "half as strong" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something possesses 50% of the strength of something else. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news, scientific and formal contexts, with the main goal of expressing a reduction in strength. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being compared. Alternatives such as "50 percent as strong" or "significantly weaker" can be used depending on the desired level of precision. Remember to avoid ambiguity by clearly stating the reference point for the comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

50% as strong

Quantifies the strength as a percentage.

half the strength

Focuses on the magnitude of strength.

50 percent weaker

Expresses the deficiency in strength from the full quantity.

significantly weaker

Implies a considerable reduction in strength.

considerably less potent

Highlights a marked decrease in potency.

not as powerful

General comparison in terms of power.

relatively feeble

Indicates a lack of strength in comparison.

moderately diminished

Emphasizes a moderate reduction.

noticeably reduced in intensity

Focuses on a clear reduction in intensity.

somewhat impaired

Suggests an impairment in strength or capability.

FAQs

How can I use "half as strong" in a sentence?

Use "half as strong" to indicate something has 50% of the strength of something else. For example, "The new alloy is "half as strong" as steel, but much lighter."

What's a formal alternative to "half as strong"?

In formal contexts, you can use "50% as strong as" or "possessing half the strength of". For instance, "The material exhibits a tensile strength 50% as strong as the reference standard".

Is it always accurate to use "half as strong" literally?

While "half as strong" typically implies a direct 50% reduction, it's essential to ensure accuracy. If the difference is approximate, consider phrases like "approximately half as strong" or "roughly "50 percent weaker"".

What's the difference between "half as strong" and "twice as weak"?

"Half as strong" focuses on the remaining strength, while "twice as weak" emphasizes the increase in weakness. While mathematically similar, the emphasis differs; use the phrase that best fits the context and intended nuance. "The new material is "half as strong" as steel" versus "The new material is "twice as weak" as steel".