he was very weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was very weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's physical or emotional state, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After the long illness, he was very weak and needed assistance to walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"He was very weak, very weak inside.

Independent

He was very weak," Mr. Kelley said in an interview.

The New York Times

He was very weak and seemed embarrassed to be causing so much inconvenience.

The New Yorker

Now he was very weak and knew he was going to die.

The New Yorker

Saddam was trying to act proud, but in his eyes he was very weak".

The New York Times

His fever was high, and he was very weak, the nurse said, but he had stopped vomiting.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"He is very weak," Ghebrai said.

The Washington Post

He is very weak," she says, by way of explanation.

The New York Times

"He's very weak," his son Batshugar said.

The New York Times

Shaker has lost a great deal of weight; he is very weak, and we are worried.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is very weak and this is quite distressing for him, especially in his confused state," said his daughter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance descriptions, consider using sensory details alongside the phrase. For instance, describe the pallor of their skin, the shakiness of their hands, or their labored breathing to illustrate the extent of their weakness.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "he was very weak" without providing context or elaboration. Offer specific details about the person's condition, such as their inability to perform daily tasks, their need for assistance, or visible signs of physical decline, to create a more vivid and impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was very weak" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It uses the verb "was" to link the subject "he" with the adjective phrase "very weak", indicating a state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was very weak" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing someone's lack of physical or emotional strength. Ludwig AI validates this assessment, confirming its correctness and broad applicability. While commonly found in news articles, business documents, and scientific publications, it maintains a neutral register. When employing this phrase, consider providing specific details to enhance the description and avoid over-reliance on the general term "weak". Alternatives like "he was extremely feeble" or "he was utterly defenseless" may provide greater impact depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was extremely feeble

Emphasizes a greater degree of physical weakness.

he was quite frail

Suggests a delicate or fragile state of health.

he was utterly defenseless

Highlights the lack of ability to protect oneself.

he was completely vulnerable

Focuses on susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

he was unusually fragile

Emphasizes the unexpected delicacy or weakness.

he was seriously impaired

Indicates a significant reduction in physical or mental function.

he was noticeably weakened

Highlights the observable reduction in strength or vitality.

he was reduced to helplessness

Emphasizes the state of being unable to assist oneself.

he was in a debilitated condition

Indicates a state of impaired strength and vitality.

he was lacking in fortitude

Highlights a deficiency in courage or strength of mind.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he was very weak" to add more impact?

Consider alternatives like "he was extremely feeble", "he was quite frail", or "he was utterly defenseless" to convey varying degrees of weakness depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he was very weak"?

The phrase is suitable for describing a state of physical or emotional vulnerability, often resulting from illness, injury, or distress. It's crucial to provide context to clarify the nature and extent of the weakness.

What are some common misconceptions about using "he was very weak"?

A common misconception is that "weak" always refers to physical strength. It can also describe emotional or mental fragility. Ensure your writing accurately reflects the intended meaning.

How does the intensity of "he was very weak" compare to other similar phrases?

Phrases like "he was extremely feeble" or "he was completely vulnerable" suggest a more pronounced state of weakness than simply "he was very weak". Choose your phrasing carefully to reflect the severity of the situation.