weak structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak structure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or conceptual framework that lacks strength or stability, often in contexts like engineering, writing, or argumentation. Example: "The building's weak structure raised concerns about its safety during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"It was a very weak structure with very thin walls.

The Guardian - Arts

Rana Plaza had numerous illegal floors built on a hopelessly weak structure.

The Guardian

Frequent shallow watering can force roots to come up to the soil surface in search of a drink, encouraging a plant to develop a weak structure.

The New York Times

He added: "They do not by themselves form an existing structure, so it is a weak structure which is displacing and destabilising the pre-existing central power network within DC.

The Guardian

Weak structure development, likely due to volume shrinkage through desiccation, was observed in unsintered bauxite residue.

CATENA

It was examined as a quite weak structure in two of the cases.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"We've discovered many more weak structures than we thought," Niiler says.

Science Magazine

More subtle ocean dynamics, known as weak structures, have remained largely invisible.

Science Magazine

One is strengthening of weak structures and the other is short-term earthquake prediction.

Tectonophysics

This coincidence strongly suggests that hydrothermally weak structures beneath the volcano were activated prior to the eruption.

Earth, Planets and Space

Although the microsatellite data lend some support to the presence of two subpopulations, there is weak structuring within and between lineages.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract systems, use "weak structure" to indicate instability or vulnerability. For instance, "The company's weak structure made it susceptible to market fluctuations."

Common error

Avoid using "weak structure" when simpler adjectives like "fragile" or "unstable" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in simple contexts can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak structure" functions primarily as a descriptive term, characterizing something as lacking strength or stability. Ludwig's examples show its usage in both concrete (buildings, materials) and abstract (data, systems) contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak structure" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe something lacking strength or stability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various fields, notably science and news media. When writing, consider using "weak structure" to denote vulnerabilities in both physical and abstract systems. Alternatives like "fragile construction" or "unstable framework" can provide nuanced meaning. Be mindful of overuse in overly simplistic contexts to avoid sounding verbose. This phrase serves to identify points of failure, making it a useful descriptive term in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile construction

Focuses on the physical fragility of a built object.

unstable framework

Highlights the lack of stability in a system or organization.

flimsy design

Emphasizes the poor quality of the design, suggesting it is easily broken.

tenuous foundation

Suggests a lack of solid support or basis.

vulnerable system

Focuses on the susceptibility of a system to harm or failure.

deficient architecture

Highlights the flaws in the architectural design.

compromised integrity

Implies that the structure's soundness has been damaged or weakened.

lacking robustness

Emphasizes the absence of strength and resilience.

frail infrastructure

Describes the weakness of the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area.

unsound configuration

Highlights the flawed arrangement or setup of the structure.

FAQs

How can I describe something that lacks strength instead of using "weak structure"?

Consider using alternatives such as "fragile framework", "unstable construction", or "flimsy design" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "weak structure"?

Yes, "weak structure" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something lacking strength or stability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What does "weak structure" typically refer to?

"Weak structure" can refer to various things, including physical buildings with poor construction, abstract systems with instability, or even arguments with "tenuous foundation".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "weak structure"?

The phrase "weak structure" is often used in scientific, technical, and formal contexts to describe systems or objects that are not robust or stable. You might find it in articles discussing building construction, data analysis, or social systems.