more weakly than

USAGE SUMMARY

"more weakly than" is a correctly formed phrase in written English and can be used when comparing one thing's degree of weakness compared to another, for example, "Their evidence was argued more weakly than their opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elettaria closes more weakly than it opens.

The New York Times - Food

Trump also appears to be performing much more weakly than Romney among white voters, with 50% support in the new poll.

The Guardian

A better explanation is that the sluggishness of US growth is part of a global trend, in which all the major economies are expanding more weakly than they were in the middle of last year.

The Guardian - Business

Nevertheless, the merits of film-industry oracles have been called into question in recent months after a series of movies that were predicted to do well at the US box office this summer performed more weakly than expected.

The Guardian - Film

This should lead to a revival in consumer spending, even though it will grow somewhat more weakly than in recent years.However, the Bank does accept that this benign scenario may not materialise.

The Economist

Perfluorohexane proved to be an inert molecule that interacts with ethers more weakly than hexane.

Fluid Phase Equilibria

Moreover, the theorists argue, SIMPs must interact with ordinary matter, although much more weakly than WIMPs.

Science Magazine

However, these nonfaceted faceted eutectic features were exhibited much more weakly than in the Al Si and Fe C eutectics, despite primary Cu6Sn5 crystals exhibiting marked faceting.

Acta Materialia

Since the Mn K-shell fluorescence energy, unlike Cu, is below the K-shell absorption energy for Fe, Mn K-shell fluorescence is absorbed more weakly than Cu.

Geochemical Transactions

DFT calculations predicted that Pd/Mo(1 1 0) and Pt/W(1 1 0) bimetallic surfaces would bind hydrogen and ethylene more weakly than do the corresponding surfaces of the parent metals.

Surface Science

Fluctuations are suppressed for qx less than a lower wavevector cut-off, ql,c, which changes with film thickness, though much more weakly than for films of free chains.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more weakly than", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For example, specify the exact entities, aspects or actions being evaluated for relative weakness. This promotes clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "more weakly than" in situations where an absolute comparison is needed. For instance, saying "This connection is more weakly than that" is confusing. Instead, use alternatives such as "This connection is weak" if you want to describe something that is weak in itself without making comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more weakly than" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating that an action is performed or a state exists to a lesser degree of strength compared to something else. Ludwig AI indicates it is a correctly formed phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more weakly than" serves as a comparative adverbial phrase, primarily used to indicate a lesser degree of strength in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, conveying relative performance or intensity. When using "more weakly than", ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "less strongly than" or "to a lesser extent than" for similar meaning. However, avoid using "more weakly than" in absolute comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less strongly than

Replaces "weakly" with "strongly" and uses "less" to indicate a lower degree, maintaining a comparative structure.

to a lesser extent than

Emphasizes the degree of something being less, using a more formal tone.

not as powerfully as

Substitutes "weakly" with "powerfully" and uses a negative construction for comparison.

with less intensity than

Focuses on the intensity of the action or state, using "less" to indicate a lower degree.

not quite as effectively as

Highlights the effectiveness of something, using a negative construction for comparison.

inferior to

Indicates that one thing is of a lower standard or quality than another.

to a smaller degree than

Focuses on the magnitude or degree, indicating a smaller quantity or extent.

less competently than

Emphasizes the competence with which something is performed, using "less" to indicate a lower level.

with reduced force compared to

Focuses on the exertion of force, indicating that something is using less force.

lacking the strength of

Emphasizes the absence of strength, using a more direct comparison of power.

FAQs

How can I use "more weakly than" in a sentence?

Use "more weakly than" to compare the degree of weakness between two or more things. For example: "The first candidate performed "more weakly than" the second in the debate".

What's a simpler way to express "more weakly than"?

Alternatives include "less strongly than", or "to a lesser extent than", which can provide a more concise way to convey the same meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "more weakly than" or are there situations where "weaker than" suffices?

While "more weakly than" is grammatically correct, "weaker than" is often sufficient and more natural. Use "more weakly than" when emphasizing the manner or degree of weakness, rather than simply stating a difference in strength.

How does the formality of "more weakly than" compare to alternatives like "less effective than"?

"More weakly than" is generally neutral in formality. Alternatives such as "less effective than" might be preferred in professional or formal contexts where precision and efficacy are emphasized.