weak to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning not strong or resistant, and is often used in descriptions of physical or mental health or state. For example, "The cold weather has made me weak to physical activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was too weak to resist it.

The New Yorker

I was too weak to endure.

The New York Times

Many become rapidly too weak to walk.

The New Yorker

"It feels weak to me," he explained.

The New Yorker

He becomes too weak to leave.

The New York Times - Arts

Too weak to argue — but not too weak to copulate — Don pulls her into bed.

The New Yorker

I am too weak to open a door.

The Guardian - Books

Mubarak said he was too weak to get away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Does this mean we should expect weak-to-moderate impacts?

Huffington Post

Correlations were generally weak-to-moderate.

Behavior Genetics

Subcortical activity is often too weak to be detected.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing vulnerabilities, be specific about what someone or something is "weak to". Instead of simply stating "the structure is weak", clarify "the structure is weak to seismic activity".

Common error

Avoid using "weak to" in contexts where "susceptible to" or "vulnerable to" might be more appropriate. "Weak to" often implies a direct, immediate impact, whereas the other phrases can suggest a longer-term or indirect vulnerability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak to" functions primarily as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., is, are, was, seem) to describe a subject's vulnerability or lack of resistance. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "weak to" modifies nouns, clarifying their susceptibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weak to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a vulnerability or lack of resistance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's predominantly used in news, scientific, and general contexts to highlight susceptibility, with the most authoritative sources being The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. When writing, specify what something is "weak to" for clarity and consider whether "vulnerable to" or "susceptible to" might be more fitting depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable to

Indicates a susceptibility or openness to being harmed or affected by something, similar to lacking resistance.

susceptible to

Highlights a predisposition to being affected, emphasizing a lack of natural immunity or defense.

prone to

Suggests a tendency or likelihood of being affected negatively by something, focusing on a higher probability of occurrence.

defenseless against

Emphasizes the lack of protective measures or abilities, highlighting a state of being unprotected.

lacking resistance to

Directly states the absence of the ability to withstand or fight off something, maintaining a literal connection.

easily affected by

Focuses on the ease with which something can have an impact, emphasizing sensitivity or responsiveness.

sensitive to

Highlights a heightened responsiveness to certain stimuli or conditions, implying a potential for adverse effects.

open to

Suggests a state of being receptive or exposed to potential influences, implying a lack of barriers.

at risk of

Indicates a potential danger or hazard, emphasizing the possibility of experiencing negative consequences.

liable to

Suggests a legal or formal responsibility, implying a potential for being held accountable or affected by certain actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak to" to describe a lack of resistance or vulnerability to something. For example, "The patient is weak to infections" or "The old bridge is weak to strong winds".

What are some alternatives to "weak to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "vulnerable to", "susceptible to", or "prone to".

Is it more appropriate to say "weak to" or "vulnerable to"?

While both can be used to describe a lack of resistance, "weak to" often implies a direct, immediate impact, whereas "vulnerable to" can suggest a broader susceptibility or potential for harm over time.

Can "weak to" be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts?

Yes, "weak to" can describe both physical weakness (e.g., "weak to disease") and metaphorical weakness (e.g., "weak to persuasion"), although it's more commonly used in physical contexts.