he was so weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was so weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's physical or emotional state, often in a context where weakness is significant to the situation being discussed. Example: "After the long illness, he was so weak that he could barely stand on his own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"He was so weak," she said.

The New York Times

He was so weak and inexperienced that he was not allowed to go out on patrol, fellow soldiers testified.

The New York Times

By the time of his return from Yalta, however, he was so weak that for the first time in his presidency he spoke to Congress while sitting down.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was so weak from his accident that he had to have his aqualung strapped on for him and then had to be pushed into the sea.

The New Yorker

"After almost two weeks of suffering with unbearable back pain and unable to get any sleep, he was so weak and looked horrible".

The New York Times

He was so weak that he couldn't lift his head up when he was on his front and couldn't stand up from the floor without help".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He's so weak and useless".

The New York Times

"He is so weak on illegal immigration, it's laughable," he said.

The Guardian

Which is the main reason he's so weak around her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then he quoted what the woman had replied: "But you're so strong, and he's so weak.

The New Yorker

Now he is so weak and besieged that, in the opinion of Sherry Jeffe, a political analyst, he will sign any budget deal that is put before him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was so weak", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause or result of the weakness. For example, specify the illness, injury, or circumstance that led to the weakened state.

Common error

Avoid stating "he was so weak" without providing sufficient context. Without a clear explanation, the statement lacks impact and can be confusing. Be specific about what caused the weakness, such as illness, hunger, or exhaustion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was so weak" functions as a descriptive statement, typically acting as part of a sentence to characterize a subject's physical or emotional condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used to describe a state of significant debilitation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was so weak" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of significant physical or emotional debilitation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability and broad application across various contexts. It's crucial to provide context when using this phrase, clarifying the cause or consequence of the weakness to enhance clarity and impact. While alternatives like "he was extremely frail" or "he was utterly debilitated" can be used for greater emphasis or formality, "he was so weak" remains a versatile and effective way to convey diminished strength or capability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was extremely frail

Emphasizes physical fragility as a form of weakness.

he was terribly weakened

Focuses on the process of becoming weak.

he was utterly debilitated

Highlights a severe reduction in strength or energy.

he lacked strength

Directly states the absence of physical power.

his energy was depleted

Indicates a loss of vigor and vitality.

he was powerless

Suggests an inability to exert force or influence.

he was physically exhausted

Highlights extreme tiredness and lack of physical capability.

he had no vigor

Emphasizes the absence of active strength or energy.

his stamina was gone

Focuses on the loss of endurance.

he couldn't muster any strength

Expresses the inability to gather or summon physical power.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he was so weak" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "he was extremely frail", "he was severely debilitated", or "he exhibited extreme physical weakness".

What are some common reasons someone might be described as "he was so weak"?

People are often described as "he was so weak" due to reasons such as illness, injury, malnutrition, exhaustion, or old age. The specific reason often dictates the most appropriate phrasing.

What is the difference between saying "he was weak" and "he was so weak"?

Adding "so" to "he was weak" intensifies the degree of weakness. "He was weak" simply states a lack of strength, while "he was so weak" emphasizes that the weakness was significant or extreme.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he was so weak that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "he was so weak that" is often followed by a clause explaining the consequence of the weakness. For example, "He was so weak that he couldn't stand up."