weaken it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaken it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making something less strong or effective, whether it's a physical object, an argument, or a situation. Example: "The constant criticism from his peers began to weaken it, diminishing its overall impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although the first few deformations imposed on metal by such treatment weaken it, its strength is increased by continued deformations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They can only weaken it from within by attacking its most vulnerable point: ordinary people.

The New York Times

In one Israeli view, since it enjoys Syria's backing, the departure of its sponsor will surely weaken it.

The Economist

Black magic takes its power from negative energy, and its opposite, positive energy, has the power to weaken it.

WikiHow

You weaken it at your own peril.

The New York Times

"What we can do is weaken it".

The Guardian

The forests helped weaken it, she said, potentially saving lives.

The New York Times

Conversely, narrowing that pool of talent would only weaken it.

The Guardian - Books

Far from strengthen your case this will weaken it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both the use of the filibuster and the efforts to weaken it were just beginning.

The New Yorker

I would never do anything to shred it, weaken it or harm it in any way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaken it", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can reduce the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "weaken it" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. This can confuse the reader and dilute the intended meaning. Always ensure the referent is explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaken it" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "weaken" is the verb and "it" is the direct object. This construction indicates an action performed on something, causing it to become less strong or effective. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weaken it" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of diminishing something's strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts. While its register is generally neutral, its applications span from formal news reports to informal discussions. To ensure clarity, always make sure the antecedent of "it" is clear. Common alternatives include "diminish it", "undermine it", and "erode it", each offering a slightly different nuance. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subvert it

Changes the focus to undermining or overturning something, implying a more deliberate action.

diminish it

Focuses on reducing the size, extent, or importance of something.

dilute it

Suggests reducing the concentration or purity of something, making it less potent.

erode it

Suggests a gradual process of wearing away or diminishing something over time.

alleviate it

Focuses on reducing the intensity or severity of something, especially pain or suffering.

jeopardize it

Highlights the risk of causing harm or failure to something, putting it in danger.

emasculate it

Implies depriving something of its vigor, force, or effectiveness, often in a figurative sense.

loosen it

Implies reducing the tightness or rigidity of something, making it less firm or strict.

soften it

Focuses on making something less harsh or severe, often in terms of impact or effect.

slacken it

Suggests reducing the tension or intensity of something, making it less strained or forceful.

FAQs

How can I use "weaken it" in a sentence?

You can use "weaken it" to describe the act of making something less strong or effective. For example, "Constant criticism can "weaken it"." or "The lack of funding will "weaken it"."

What are some alternatives to saying "weaken it"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "diminish it", "undermine it", or "erode it".

Is it correct to say "weakens it" instead of "weaken it"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "weaken it" with plural subjects (e.g., "They weaken it"). Use "weakens it" with singular subjects (e.g., "He weakens it").

What's the difference between ""weaken it"" and "undermine it"?

"Weaken it" generally means to reduce the strength or effectiveness of something. "Undermine it" implies a more deliberate and often subtle action to weaken or destabilize something, often from within.