not as strong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as strong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things or qualities that lack an equal level of strength or intensity. For example, "The first team was not as strong as the second, so they lost the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not as strong".

The New York Times

"Even our shots are not as strong".

The New York Times - Sports

The vibe was not as strong".

The New York Times

"It's not as strong on the nodels".

The New Yorker

Overall, their academic skills are not as strong.

Columbia University

Argumentation is not as strong as I'd like.

Stanford University

But its judgment regarding Iran was not as strong.

The Washington Post

My body is not as strong as it was.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The last two miles I was not as strong".

The New York Times

Glue is often not as strong and a scar remains.

The New York Times - Science

"They were not as strong as they normally are.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as strong" to provide a nuanced comparison, implying a difference in degree rather than an absolute lack of strength.

Common error

Avoid using "not as strong" in excessively long or convoluted sentences. Break down complex thoughts into simpler statements for clarity. Instead of "While the initial hypothesis seemed promising, the data, upon closer inspection, revealed that the correlation was not as strong as initially anticipated", try "The correlation was weaker than initially anticipated. Further data analysis showed this."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as strong" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that something possesses a lesser degree of strength, intensity, or effectiveness compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not as strong" is a versatile comparative expression used to indicate a lesser degree of strength, intensity, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "weaker" or "less potent" to add nuance to your writing. Remember the phrase is commonly used and well understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative weakness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaker

Implies a direct comparison indicating less force or power.

less potent

Suggests a reduced effectiveness or impact.

not as effective

Focuses on the diminished ability to produce the desired result.

not as robust

Indicates a lack of resilience or durability.

less intense

Highlights a reduced level of intensity or vigor.

not quite as powerful

Emphasizes a subtle difference in power or strength.

somewhat diminished

Suggests a degree of reduction in quality or force.

relatively feeble

Highlights a marked lack of strength or effectiveness.

not up to par

Implies failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

subpar

Is a concise way to describe when something is below the standard.

FAQs

How can I use "not as strong" in a sentence?

The phrase "not as strong" is used to compare the relative strength or intensity of two things. For example, "This coffee is "not as strong" as the one I usually drink".

What are some alternatives to saying "not as strong"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "weaker", "less potent", or "less effective" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not as strong as"?

Yes, the phrase "not as strong as" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative structure of "not as [adjective] as".

What's the difference between "not as strong" and "weak"?

"Weak" implies a general lack of strength, while "not as strong" suggests a comparison. Saying something is ""not as strong"" implies it's less strong than something else, whereas "weak" describes its inherent state.