just weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks strength, effectiveness, or impact, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The argument presented in the debate was just weak and failed to convince anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"No, not just weak.

The New Yorker

Their testimony was not just weak, it was embarrassing.

The New York Times

And this griping tedio-thon is just weak and exploitative.

The Guardian - Music

I admire him on both counts, but I guess I'm just weak".

The New York Times

My legs went from under me and I was just weak".

The Guardian - Music

"It's just weak excuses that the media and some ex-players and managers have come out with.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The researchers found the state's test was not just weaker than the national one, but that it was becoming even more so over time.

The New York Times

The US economy grew at an annualised rate of 0.8% in the first quarter of 2016, which was not just weaker than the UK but substantially worse than the eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

Hearts that are failing aren't just weaker, they pump with the wrong rhythm.

Forbes

Visually, the effects for delayed recollection are overall just weaker than for immediate recollection.

eLife

Studies of whether adolescents have similar, stronger or just weaker amygdala activations to fearful stimuli than adults have revealed conflicting findings [ 16].

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just weak" to express a mild form of inadequacy or ineffectiveness. It implies something is not strong enough to fulfill its purpose but isn't entirely useless. Be careful not to use it in overly formal or technical contexts where more precise language might be required.

Common error

Avoid using "just weak" in professional or academic writing where formality is key. Opt for stronger, more precise terms like "ineffective", "inadequate", or "insufficient" to maintain a formal tone and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just weak" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a limited degree of weakness or ineffectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just weak" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something lacking in strength or effectiveness. While Ludwig confirms its usability across various contexts, it's important to consider the register and choose more formal synonyms for professional or academic writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral tone suitable for general audiences. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for precise alternatives like "ineffective" or "insufficient" for enhanced clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely feeble

Emphasizes insignificance more strongly than "just weak".

simply ineffective

Focuses specifically on the lack of desired outcome or impact.

somewhat frail

Highlights physical or emotional delicacy.

rather flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or durability.

slightly vulnerable

Implies susceptibility to harm or attack.

barely adequate

Indicates a minimum level of sufficiency, lacking any surplus.

a touch fragile

Emphasizes the delicacy and easily broken nature.

relatively impotent

Focuses on the lack of power to produce a desired effect.

plain inadequate

Directly states the insufficiency of something.

moderately compromised

Highlights the impairment or weakening of something.

FAQs

How can I use "just weak" in a sentence?

You can use "just weak" to describe something lacking strength or effectiveness. For example, "The argument was "just weak" and didn't convince the jury."

What can I say instead of "just weak"?

You can use alternatives like "merely feeble", "simply ineffective", or "somewhat frail" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "just weak" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "just weak" might be considered informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "inadequate" or "insufficient" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "just weak" and "very weak"?

"Just weak" implies a slight lack of strength, while "very weak" indicates a significant deficiency. "Just weak" suggests something is barely inadequate, while "very weak" suggests a severe lack of strength or effectiveness.