it weakens

USAGE SUMMARY

'it weakens' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to make a statement about something losing strength or power. For example, "Excessive stress weakens the immune system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It weakens its argument by being needlessly silent about costs.

The New York Times - Books

It weakens both the White House and its nominees.

The Washington Post

"It weakens the agenda.

The New York Times

It weakens their position".

The New York Times

It weakens Stewart's case.

The Guardian - Tech

It weakens the Australian federation".

The Guardian

By increasing blood loss, it weakens victims.

The Economist

But it weakens Mr. Murdoch's negotiating hand.

The New York Times

And it weakens accountability and transparency.

The Guardian

"It weakens them, shorts them out.

The New York Times

It weakens the plot and turns the story upside down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it weakens", ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined and understood within the context of your writing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it weakens" repeatedly in adjacent sentences or paragraphs. Vary your language with synonyms such as "it undermines" or "it diminishes" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it weakens" primarily functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage. It typically introduces a statement about the negative impact of a particular subject, indicating a reduction in strength, effectiveness, or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it weakens" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a reduction in strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business publications. While the phrase is generally appropriate, remember to consider the subject it refers to, and remember that repeated use can be avoided using synonyms like "it undermines" or "it diminishes". Proper contextual awareness and stylistic variation will ensure its most impactful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lessens

A more direct and simple way of saying something becomes smaller or weaker.

it reduces

A general term for making something smaller or less effective.

it undermines

This alternative emphasizes a gradual or subtle erosion of something's foundation or effectiveness.

it diminishes

This suggests a reduction in size, importance, or quality.

it erodes

Implies a gradual wearing away or destruction.

it impairs

Focuses on the reduction of functionality or capability.

it compromises

Implies that something is made vulnerable or less effective due to a concession or flaw.

it attenuates

Suggests a thinning or weakening, often in a gradual or subtle way.

it saps

Suggests a gradual depletion of energy or strength.

it debilitates

Focuses on causing weakness or infirmity.

FAQs

How can I use "it weakens" in a sentence?

You can use "it weakens" to describe how something reduces the strength or effectiveness of something else. For example, "The new policy "it weakens" our competitive advantage."

What are some alternatives to saying "it weakens"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it undermines", "it diminishes", or "it impairs", which offer similar meanings depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it weakens"?

Yes, "it weakens" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb agreement where 'it' is a singular pronoun and 'weakens' is the corresponding verb form.

What's the difference between "it weakens" and "it makes weaker"?

"It weakens" is a more concise and direct way of expressing that something reduces strength. "It makes weaker" is more descriptive but can sometimes sound less formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.