weaker compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaker compared to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison between two or more entities, indicating that one is less strong or effective than the other. Example: "The new model is weaker compared to the previous version, which had better performance metrics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While the effect is not directly comparable with the studies cited above, the effect seems somewhat weaker compared to the randomized trial states which spent similar amounts on eligibility assessments and reemployment ($85 vs. $200 per long-term unemployed).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

In Cd-exposed plants, IAA localization remained apical but weaker compared to control plants.

Journal of Plant Physiology

Influenza vaccination is recommended for the elderly in many countries, but immune responses are weaker compared to younger adults.

Vaccine

However, dipole moment and oscillator strength of this transition (S0 S1) are weaker compared to the other studied systems.

Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

In addition, the red-light-based photoresponse in roots is even weaker compared to the blue-light response.

Advances in Space Research

It has been consistently being reported that the bond and anchorage of bars in HSC are relatively weaker compared to in NSC.

Structures

Rheological tests revealed that the increase of viscosity of star polymer solution aroused by addition of graphene was much weaker compared to that of linear counterpart.

Progress in Organic Coatings

MXenes can facilitate this process by having 2D structures with metal carbon bonds (M C) that are weaker compared to the metal oxygen bonds (M O) in typical oxide supports.

Nature

The latter was found in only one species (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) where WGBS revealed methylation in exons but still it was 20 30 times weaker compared to other plant species in the same study.

Nature

The catalytically produced CO2 always inhibited kinetically the gaseous combustion of H2 and CO, although its effect was much weaker compared to that of H2O.

Combustion and Flame

The associations between the texture features and the CL Diversity and CW Diversity were weaker compared to the TH Diversity and DBH Diversity (The highest R2 was 0.46 and 0.45, respectively, p < 0.01).

Forest Ecology and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaker compared to", ensure the comparison is clear and that both items being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "the signal was weaker", specify "the signal was "weaker compared to" the baseline measurement".

Common error

Avoid using "weaker compared to" without specifying what is being compared. Saying "performance was weaker compared to" is incomplete; clarify by stating, "performance was "weaker compared to" the previous quarter's results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaker compared to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that has less strength, power, or effectiveness than something else. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weaker compared to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express comparative inferiority in strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for diverse contexts. Primarily found in scientific and technical writing, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. For clear and effective use, always specify the items being compared to avoid ambiguity. By employing these guidelines, writers can confidently and accurately convey nuanced comparisons in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less potent than

Emphasizes a lower level of effectiveness or strength.

not as strong as

Directly indicates a deficiency in strength compared to something else.

less effective than

Focuses on a reduced level of practical success or impact.

inferior to

Suggests a lower quality or status in comparison.

not as robust as

Indicates a lack of durability or resilience in comparison.

outmatched by

Highlights a clear disadvantage or inability to compete effectively.

paler in comparison to

Highlights a lower degree of visual intensity or vividness.

second-rate to

Implies a lower standard or quality in comparison to something considered superior.

overshadowed by

Emphasizes being less prominent or noticeable due to the presence of something else.

dwarfed by

Highlights a significant difference in size or impact, making one seem insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "weaker compared to" in a sentence?

You can use "weaker compared to" to compare the relative strength or effectiveness of two things. For example, "The new drug had a weaker effect compared to the existing treatment", or "The economy's recovery was weaker compared to previous rebounds".

What are some alternatives to "weaker compared to"?

Some alternatives include "less potent than", "not as strong as", or "less effective than", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state both items being compared when using "weaker compared to"?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating both items enhances clarity and avoids potential ambiguity. For example, instead of "the signal was weaker", specifying "the signal was "weaker compared to" the control group" makes the comparison more precise.

What's the difference between "weaker compared to" and "inferior to"?

"Weaker compared to" specifically implies a deficiency in strength or effectiveness, while "inferior to" suggests a lower quality or status overall. "Weaker compared to" is more focused on a specific attribute, whereas "inferior to" implies a broader assessment.