on the weaker side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the weaker side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is less strong, effective, or powerful compared to something else. Example: "In this debate, I felt that my arguments were on the weaker side, and I needed to strengthen my points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They may be for hire, but they fight on the weaker side, because it pleases them to do so.

The New Yorker

"The US economy has been adding jobs at a strong pace in the past three years, but this report was on the weaker side.

The Guardian - Business

"The market is struggling between very solid numbers coming out from companies and macroeconomic data that have tended to be on the weaker side".

The New York Times

The toughest competition is for best actress in a play, a category that has been on the weaker side in recent years; Tony voters will have to choose in the coming weeks among Nina Arianda ("Venus in Fur"), Tracie Bennett ("End of the Rainbow"), Stockard Channing ("Other Desert Cities"), Linda Lavin ("The Lyons") and Cynthia Nixon ("Wit").

The New York Times

Apple's guidance also fell a little on the weaker side, which means that the company might not be getting that huge lift from the iPhone X that Wall Street had initially sought.

TechCrunch

Results: Differences in strength between admission and discharge were significant for all muscle actions on the weaker side and for 4 of the 7 muscle actions on the stronger side.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the problem with a war on drugs, and an ensuing war on gangs, is the weaker side adopts a siege mentality, closing itself off from the outside world.

Vice

That plan dissolves when one of the players on the weak side is Jeffries, who cannot be counted on to catch a pass, much less convert a spot-up jumper or finish a play at the rim.

The New York Times

We have become fairly inured to Gary's puns at the end of MOTD being on the weak side, but that one was holding itself up on crutches gasping for air, and I refuse to believe the former England goalscoring hero was personally responsible.

The Guardian - Sport

If your oven is a little on the weak side or if you're baking a dozen large ones, you might want to vamp it up to 350ºF (177ºC).

WikiHow

Particularly when paired with the spot-up specialist Keith Bogans, the combination of Johnson and Williams allows the Nets to attack one side of the court then swing the ball to another attacking player on the weak side of the court, where the defense is more vulnerable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "on the weaker side" to subtly suggest that one is less effective without being overly critical. This allows for a more nuanced assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "on the weaker side" when describing something as inherently weak without comparison. The phrase is most effective when highlighting relative weakness between two entities or options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the weaker side" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a comparative state of reduced strength, effectiveness, or power. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the weaker side" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating a comparative lack of strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this. While its frequency is uncommon, it is primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. It's best used to highlight a relative deficiency rather than making an absolute judgment. Related phrases include "at a disadvantage" and "more vulnerable". Avoid misusing the phrase in absolute statements without a point of comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more vulnerable

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or damage.

less robust

Focuses on the lack of strength and healthiness.

at a disadvantage

Focuses on the disadvantageous position rather than the inherent weakness.

less secure

Highlights the lack of safety and stability.

more susceptible

Highlights the increased likelihood of being affected by something negative.

less resilient

Highlights the lack of ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

on shaky ground

Emphasizes the instability and lack of security.

in a precarious position

Suggests a situation that is unstable or uncertain.

in a less favorable light

Shifts the focus to a less positive perception or presentation.

in a deficient state

Focuses on the lack of necessary qualities or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "on the weaker side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the weaker side" to describe something that is less strong, effective, or powerful compared to something else. For example, "In this debate, I felt that my arguments were on the weaker side, and I needed to strengthen my points."

What phrases are similar to "on the weaker side"?

Similar phrases include "at a disadvantage", "more vulnerable", or "less robust", all suggesting a lack of strength or effectiveness.

Is "on the weaker side" grammatically correct?

Yes, "on the weaker side" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is less strong or effective than something else.

When is it appropriate to use "on the weaker side"?

It's appropriate to use "on the weaker side" when you want to compare two options or aspects and indicate that one is relatively less strong or effective. Avoid using it to describe something as absolutely weak without comparison.