he is weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's physical strength, emotional state, or lack of power in a particular context. Example: "Despite his size, he is weak when it comes to standing up for himself in difficult situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He is weak.

The New York Times

"I think he is weak.

The New York Times

"He is weak now," he said.

The New York Times

People know he is weak".

The Guardian

"Having said that, he is weak".

The New York Times

He is weak, but the nod is unmistakable.

The New York Times - Health

Because a person is easygoing, they think he is weak.

The New York Times - Sports

Relentlessly negative and populist, particularly on immigration, he is weak on economics and short of ideas.

The Economist

While Ed Miliband is a more natural bedfellow, she believes he is weak.

The Guardian

If he is weak he will come phalanxed by lawyers and some of the firm's directors.

The Economist

Where he is weak — day-to-day management, operations — he hires people with a defter touch.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "he is weak" in conjunction with specific examples to show the nature of their weakness, whether it's physical, emotional, or moral.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "he is weak" without providing context or examples. Instead, illustrate his weakness through his actions, decisions, or interactions with others. For instance, instead of saying "he is weak", describe how he avoids confrontation or easily gives in to pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is weak" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It ascribes the quality of weakness to a male subject. As Ludwig AI shows, the predicate adjective weak can modify a subject regarding physical strength, emotional resilience, or moral fortitude. This statement suggests a lack of power, resilience, or capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is weak" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a lack of strength, whether physical, emotional, or moral. Ludwig AI confirms this, presenting numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. To use it effectively, provide specific examples to illustrate the nature of the weakness being described. Avoid simply stating the phrase without context to ensure clarity and avoid potential offense. Considering alternatives such as "he lacks strength" or "he is vulnerable" can help refine the meaning and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he lacks strength

This alternative directly states the absence of physical or metaphorical strength.

he is powerless

This suggests an inability to exert influence or control.

he is vulnerable

This highlights susceptibility to harm or attack.

he is frail

This emphasizes physical weakness and delicacy.

he is ineffective

This focuses on a lack of ability to produce the desired result.

he is helpless

This implies an inability to assist oneself or others.

he is yielding

This suggests a tendency to give way under pressure or opposition.

he is defenceless

This highlights a lack of protection or means to resist attack.

he is fragile

This suggests both physical and emotional delicateness and a proneness to damage.

he is faint

This emphasizes a lack of physical or emotional vigor.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "he is weak"?

Saying "he is weak" generally means that the person lacks strength, either physically, emotionally, or in terms of willpower. The specific meaning depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

What are some alternative ways to say "he is weak"?

You can use alternatives like "he lacks strength", "he is powerless", or "he is vulnerable" depending on the specific type of weakness you want to convey.

Is it offensive to describe someone as "he is weak"?

It can be offensive depending on the context and your intention. It's generally best to be sensitive and consider the impact of your words, as "he is weak" can be seen as critical or dismissive. Describing actions or tendencies may be more constructive than labelling someone as weak.

How can I use "he is weak" in a sentence?

You can use "he is weak" to describe someone's physical condition (e.g., "After the illness, he is weak"), their emotional state (e.g., "He is weak in the face of adversity"), or their character (e.g., "He is weak and easily manipulated").