was weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being lacking in strength, effectiveness, or intensity in various contexts, such as physical, emotional, or performance-related situations. Example: "The team's performance in the last game was weak, leading to their defeat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The shot was weak.

The New York Times

Sunlight was weak.

The New York Times

He was weak.

The New Yorker

"Our message was weak.

The New York Times

Russia was weak.

The New Yorker

Her smile was weak.

The New Yorker

"I was weak.

The New York Times

Miliband was weak.

The Guardian

"That was weak".

The New York Times - Sports

The balance sheet was weak.

The New York Times - Tech

She was weak and tired.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was weak", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is lacking strength or effectiveness. For example, "The argument was weak due to lack of evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "was weak" excessively in passive voice constructions. Instead, opt for more active and direct phrasing to strengthen your writing. For example, instead of "The defense was weak," try "The defense faltered."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was weak" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to attribute a quality of lacking strength, effectiveness, or intensity to the subject. Examples from Ludwig show it describing messages, arguments, smiles, and even entire countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was weak" is a versatile and frequently used expression that functions as a predicate adjective to describe a lack of strength, effectiveness, or intensity. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears predominantly in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose from alternatives like "was feeble" or "was insufficient" to add precision to your writing. Be mindful of overuse in passive constructions and opt for more active phrasing when possible. Remember that while the phrase typically conveys a negative connotation, it can also be used in a more neutral or even positive way depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was feeble

Highlights a lack of vigor and force.

was insufficient

Highlights a lack of the necessary quantity or quality.

lacked strength

Focuses on the absence of physical power.

was deficient

Focuses on a specific shortage or inadequacy.

was vulnerable

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or attack.

was ineffective

Emphasizes a failure to produce the desired result.

was flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or durability.

was fragile

Suggests vulnerability and susceptibility to damage.

was unconvincing

Indicates a failure to persuade or impress.

was unsound

Implies a lack of solidity or stability.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was weak" can describe a lack of physical strength, as in "His grip was weak". It can also refer to the ineffectiveness of something, such as "The evidence was weak". Finally, it can describe an emotional state, such as "I was weak with laughter".

What can I say instead of "was weak"?

You can use alternatives like "was feeble", "was vulnerable", or "was ineffective" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "was weak" or "is weak"?

Both "was weak" and "is weak" are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "Was weak" indicates a past state, while "is weak" describes a current state.

Is it always negative to say something "was weak"?

While "was weak" often carries a negative connotation, describing a deficiency or lack of strength, it can sometimes be neutral or even positive depending on the context. For instance, "I was weak with laughter" implies amusement, not necessarily a negative weakness.