is weaker than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is weaker than' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two different things, such as 'This year's tea harvest is weaker than last year's.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its brand is weaker than Skoda's.

The Economist

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is weaker than ever.

The Economist

Mrs Merkel is weaker than before.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arsenal's side is weaker than I expected.

The Guardian - Sport

President Chirac's mandate is weaker than meets the eye.

The New York Times

The Tory party is weaker than they think they are.

The Guardian

And the Northeast's economy is weaker than California's.

The New York Times

Russia is weaker than a year ago, he rightly noted.

The Economist

The whips office is weaker than it has ever been.

The Economist

When NAO is in a negative phase, each area of pressure is weaker than normal.

Columbia University

Even among democratic countries, American influence is weaker than it was a decade ago.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is weaker than", ensure you clearly define the criteria by which something is considered 'weaker'. For instance, specify whether you are referring to physical strength, influence, financial stability, or another measurable attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "is weaker than" without providing a clear point of comparison. Saying 'This economy is weaker' is vague. Instead, specify 'This economy is weaker than it was last year' or 'is weaker than the economies of neighboring countries'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is weaker than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one entity possesses less strength, power, or effectiveness than another. Ludwig shows examples across diverse contexts, confirming its role in making comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is weaker than" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to express a deficiency in strength, power, or effectiveness. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts including news media, scientific publications, and academic research. With a neutral register, it's suitable for both formal and informal communication. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, making it a reliable choice for comparative statements. To ensure clarity, always provide context when using "is weaker than" to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less potent than

Emphasizes reduced power or effectiveness.

is not as robust as

Highlights a lack of resilience or durability in comparison.

falls short of

Indicates failing to reach an expected standard or level.

lacks the punch of

Highlights a deficiency in impact or forcefulness.

doesn't measure up to

Implies a deficiency or failure to meet a certain standard or level.

cannot compete with

Implies an inability to rival or match the strength or quality of something else.

is overshadowed by

Indicates that one thing is dominant over the other.

is second-rate compared to

Suggests a lower quality or importance relative to another.

is a pale imitation of

Conveys a weak or inadequate representation.

doesn't hold a candle to

Informal way of saying something is far inferior.

FAQs

How can I use "is weaker than" in a sentence?

You can use "is weaker than" to compare the relative strength, intensity, or effectiveness of two things. For example, "The economy this quarter "is weaker than" last quarter".

What are some alternatives to "is weaker than"?

Some alternatives include "is less potent than", "falls short of", or "is not as robust as", depending on the context.

How do I correctly structure a comparison using "is weaker than"?

Make sure to include both items being compared. For example, instead of saying "This version is weaker", specify "This version "is weaker than" the previous version".

Is it always appropriate to use "is weaker than" in formal writing?

While "is weaker than" is generally acceptable, consider more precise language for formal contexts. For instance, instead of "The argument "is weaker than"", you might say "The argument is less convincing than".